Ringworm Vs. Eczema: What Is the Difference?

Both ringworm and eczema are skin conditions that cause rashes, itchiness, and redness. Since both of these conditions cause circular rashes on the skin, it can be difficult to tell them apart. However, it is essential to know the difference to get the proper treatments.

What is Nummular Eczema?

Nummular eczema leads to red or brown oval-shaped rashes on the skin – mostly on the hands, arms, torso, or legs. Rashes can also appear on the back and buttocks. These rashes can appear dry, occur in clusters, or may form larger patches and cause a burning and itching sensation.

As per the National Eczema Association, this condition is generally more common in men, typically between the age of 55 and 65 years. Women aged between 13 to 25 are also prone to developing nummular eczema. While the exact cause is unknown, common triggers include dry skin, medicated topical creams, previous skin injuries, or allergic conditions.

According to the National Eczema Association, nummular eczema affects about 2 in every 1,000 adults in the U.S., accounting for around 3.5% to 7% of all adult eczema cases.

What is Ringworm?

Ringworm is a fungal infection that results in ring-shaped rashes on the skin that can develop anywhere on the body, like on the soles of your feet, scalp, or groin. This is a highly contagious condition and spreads through skin contact.

Some common ways a person can get ringworm is by sharing personal objects and hygiene products, playing contact sports, and using public swimming pools or gyms. It can even be transmitted through infected animals.

Also read: Is a Poison Ivy Rash Contagious?

Key Differences Between Eczema and Ringworm

What are the Key Causes and Risk Factors for Eczema vs. Ringworm?

The causes and risk factors for ringworm include:

• Contact sports like wrestling or martial arts
• Sharing towels, razors, clothes, and other personal objects with others
• Close contact with animals
• Tight clothing
• Walking barefoot
• Fragile immune system

Risk factors for nummular eczema include:

• History of dry or sensitive skin
• Gender and age
• Living in a cold, dry environment
• A history of skin injuries or allergic conditions
• Prior use of topical medical creams
• Prior bacterial skin infections

How Are Eczema Symptoms Different From Ringworm Symptoms?

Unlike eczema, which usually develops in leathery oval patches, ringworm has a ring-like formation with hard edges. Ringworm rashes can develop on the groin and axillary regions, but this rarely happens with eczema. Eczema can cause chronic, severe itching, but it’s not contagious while ringworm is.

Treatment for Ringworm vs Eczema

Ringworm

• Contagious and can spread to others or different areas of the body.
• Treated successfully with over-the-counter antifungal creams.
• Maintaining good personal hygiene is essential to prevent recurrence.

Eczema

• Not contagious and has no permanent cure.
• Symptoms can be managed with lifestyle changes like:
  • Controlling humidity levels at home.
  • Wearing soft, cotton clothes to reduce irritation.
• Medical treatment may be required for severe itching, inflammation, or secondary infections.

When to Seek Help?

For eczema, ringworm, fungal infections, or other skin rashes, contact our experts at MI Express Urgent Care for effective treatment.

Need help with a skin rash or infection?

Visit MI Express Urgent Care in Canton or Ann Arbor for fast, expert care. Whether it’s eczema, ringworm, or another skin concern, our providers are here to help, no appointment needed.

Walk in today or contact us to get treated quickly and comfortably.