Ringworm vs. Eczema: What to Know?

Ringworm vs. Eczema Symptoms

Both eczema and ringworm tend to inflame and redden the skin and can make it dry, swollen, crusty, and itchy. In addition, both can happen almost anywhere on the body, head to toe.

One symptom that sometimes helps tell the difference is that ringworm often produces a scaly, ring-shaped rash, typically on the trunk, arms, or legs. But nummular eczema (or discoid eczema) also produces a round, scaly rash that can look like ringworm.

If you think you have ringworm but over-the-counter remedies fail to work, see your doctor. You may have eczema, psoriasis, or some other skin condition. Only your doctor can tell for sure the source of your symptoms.

Ringworm vs. Eczema Diagnosis

Doctors usually diagnose eczema by looking at it and by eliminating other possible causes of your symptoms. They might ask if anything seems to trigger an outbreak and whether you have a history of eczema in your family. They also may test your skin for allergic reactions or draw some blood to look for alternate causes.

Ringworm is one of the conditions they may try to eliminate. Your doctor might be able to tell simply by looking at your skin that you have ringworm and not eczema. If they’re still unsure, they might scrape some skin cells from the area to look at under a microscope.

Ringworm vs. Eczema Treatment

In general, you can get rid of ringworm with over-the-counter antifungal medications. Your pharmacist may be able to guide you to the right product for you, depending on the location of your symptoms. In some cases, you may need stronger antifungal medications, which you can only get with a prescription from your doctor.

Eczema is different. You can’t get rid of it, or “cure” it, in the same way that you can cure ringworm. There are, however, a number of things that may help you manage your symptoms and keep flare-ups to a minimum:

• Keep the air moist. Use a humidifier if necessary.
• Stay hydrated.
• Use lukewarm or cool water for bathing instead of hot, which can dry out your skin.
• Apply a moisturizer several times a day, especially after washing and bathing.
• Use mild soaps and moisturizers without fragrance, perfumes, or dyes. (Look for “hypoallergenic” on the label.)
• Take steps to lessen stress if it’s a trigger, including therapy if needed.
• Use over-the-counter cortisone creams to lessen itching.
• Use over-the-counter antihistamines for serious itching.
• Talk to your doctor about prescription-strength medications if you still can’t control your symptoms.

You might do all of the “right” things at the right time to help lessen your symptoms and still have serious eczema flare-ups. Eczema is an unpredictable condition, and scientists and doctors continue to look for better treatment options.

Ringworm vs. Eczema Prevention

Because the fungi that cause ringworm grow well in damp areas, keeping your space and personal items clean, disinfected, and dry can help protect you from having ringworm. You can prevent ringworm by taking these steps:

• Clean your skin by bathing regularly, especially after exercising or sweating, and be sure to dry off well.
• Wear sandals or shoes that let your feet breathe, especially in public areas like locker rooms and showers.
• Wear light and loose-fitting clothing that allows air in and around your skin. 
• Keep your fingernails and toenails short and clean.
• Change your socks and underwear daily, especially when they become damp.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after interacting with animals.
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels, sheets, washcloths, combs, sports gear, or gym outfits with others, and wash and dry them often.
• Disinfect surfaces you frequently come in contact with bleach.
• Take your pet to the veterinary doctor for treatment if they have ringworm so it doesn’t spread to you.

Preventing eczema, on the other hand, involves identifying potential triggers and reducing your exposure to them when possible. 

• Keeping a diary to track your symptoms can help you figure out what might be triggering them. You can share this information with a dermatologist, who can suggest healthy ways to avoid these triggers. 
• Add more anti-inflammatory foods like tomatoes, leafy vegetables, olive oil, and fruits to your diet. 
• Take time for self-care activities to manage stress. Meditation, journaling, staying active, spending time with loved ones, and getting good sleep can all help reduce stress levels.
• Talk to a dermatologist about creating a personalized prevention and treatment plan, which may include treatments like wet wrap therapy, which involves wrapping affected skin with fabric soaked in water to keep it hydrated.

Takeaways

It can be hard to tell eczema and ringworm apart because they have similar symptoms. Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that can be treated with antifungal medicines. Eczema, on the other hand, is more complicated. It could be due to genetics and environmental factors, and exposure to allergens, cold, dry air, cigarette smoke, and other triggers can worsen your symptoms. But it isn’t contagious. It has no cure, but you can manage the symptoms and reduce flare-ups with treatments like over-the-counter antihistamines and managing your stress.

Ringworm vs. Eczema FAQs

Do I have ringworm or eczema?
You might have ringworm if you have a scaly, ring-shaped rash that goes away with over-the-counter antifungal medicines. Otherwise, see your doctor, who can confirm whether you have ringworm or eczema. 
How do you tell the difference between a rash and a ringworm?

A rash is a ringworm symptom. If the rash is from an allergic reaction or other skin conditions, like psoriasis, it may not form a circle or ring.   

Can eczema appear in circles?

Yes, a type of eczema called nummular or discoid eczema appears in circles. 

How do you know if it's fungal or eczema?

If treating your skin symptoms with antifungal medicines makes them go away, then it’s potentially fungal. If your symptoms appear or worsen with triggers like cold air, dryness, stress, and allergens, it could be eczema. If your symptoms started after contact with someone or an animal with ringworm, you likely have ringworm. 

What does ringworm look like at first?

Ringworm looks like a red, itchy, ring-shaped rash at first. Then, you may have other symptoms, like slightly raised bumps and overlapping rings. 

Can eczema go away on its own?

Eczema doesn’t go away on its own, but treatments can help reduce symptoms. 

What is the difference between discoid eczema and ringworm?

Discoid or nummular eczema is a skin condition that causes itchy, round, or oval-shaped patches to appear on your skin. These patches can look like ringworm, but they aren't caused by fungal infection and don't have a cure.