What can be mistaken for ringworm?

Ringworm is sometimes mistaken for forms of eczema and other skin conditions, like psoriasis. Unlike nummular eczema
nummular eczema
Nummular eczema, also known as nummular dermatitis or discoid eczema, is a chronic condition but treatable condition that causes coin-shaped spots to develop on the skin. These spots are often very itchy and well-defined. They may ooze clear fluid or become dry and crusty.
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, the affected areas don't vary in color, and the patches don't burn and sometimes don't even itch.
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What looks like ringworm but isnt?

Other conditions that occasionally look like ringworm include seborrhea, psoriasis, pityriasis, contact dermatitis (such as poison oak), drug reactions, tinea versicolor, vitiligo, erythema migrans (a rash seen in Lyme disease), and even lupus.
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What can be misdiagnosed as ringworm?

There are a variety of ringworm imposters that could be causing you or your child's rash. The two most common conditions are nummular eczema and granuloma annulare. Nummular eczema causes circular patches of dry skin that can burn or become dry and scaly.
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How do I know if I have ringworm or something else?

Sometimes a skin biopsy of the lesion or rash is required for a dermatologist to be able to diagnose whether it is ringworm or not. If you are experiencing symptoms of ringworm or are concerned about a new or worsening rash, then call your dermatologist today to schedule an appointment.
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How do you rule out ringworm?

Your healthcare provider can usually diagnose ringworm by looking at the affected skin and asking questions about your symptoms. He or she may also take a small skin scraping to be examined under a microscope or sent to a laboratory for a fungal culture.
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Ringworm (Tinea Corporis) | Causes, Risk Factors, Signs



What are 3 symptoms of ringworm?

Symptoms of Ringworm Infections
  • Itchy skin.
  • Ring-shaped rash.
  • Red, scaly, cracked skin.
  • Hair loss.
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What kills ringworm instantly?

Most cases of ringworm can be treated at home. Over-the-counter antifungals can kill the fungus and promote healing. Effective medications include miconazole (Cruex), clotrimazole (Desenex) and terbinafine (Lamisil).
...
1. Apply a topical antifungal
  • Antifungal cream.
  • Antifungal lotion.
  • Antifungal powder.
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What does the beginning of ringworm look like?

Ringworm often causes a ring-shaped rash that is itchy, scaly and slightly raised. The rings usually start small and then expand outward. Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) is a rash caused by a fungal infection. It's usually an itchy, circular rash with clearer skin in the middle.
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What is the difference between ringworm and pityriasis rosea?

Although the exact cause of pityriasis rosea hasn't been determined, it's thought to be triggered by a viral infection. Unlike ringworm, it's not believed to be contagious. Pityriasis rosea commonly goes away on its own in 10 weeks or less and is treated with nonprescription medications and remedies to relieve itching.
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Do I have ringworm or eczema?

Frequently Asked Questions : How can I tell the difference between ringworm and eczema? Ringworm is often round in shape, itchy, and has black dots at its center. Eczema symptoms include redness, dry skin, swelling of the affected area, oozing, and crusting if scratched.
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Is there a rash that looks like ringworm?

Other rashes can look like ringworm, including spider bites, nummular eczema, and Lyme disease, a more serious infection that produces a bull's-eye shaped rash. These require different treatments, so it's important to consult a medical professional.
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What is a rash that looks like rings?

Granuloma annulare is a rash that often looks like a ring of small pink, purple or skin-coloured bumps. It usually appears on the back of the hands, feet, elbows or ankles. The rash is not usually painful, but it can be slightly itchy.
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Is ringworm always circular?

Ringworm is often circular. It typically begins as a rash with a clearly defined border that looks like there is a worm under the skin. The center of the rash appears sunken and may be gray or scaly. While psoriasis rashes can also be round, the shape is less regular and does not resemble a worm.
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Does lupus rash look like ringworm?

Subacute Cutaneous LE (SCLE) is a form of lupus that often starts as a widespread rash in areas exposed to sunlight. It has a red, ring like pattern, sometimes with a little scaling in sun exposed areas, and may be confused with psoriasis or ringworm. With treatment, it heals without scarring.
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What type of eczema looks like ringworm?

Ringworm appears as a ring-shaped patch of dry, scaly, red skin. Nummular eczema is a type of eczema that causes a similar rash to ringworm. It leads to coin-shaped or oval patches, which can easily be mistaken for the rash caused by ringworm.
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What are small round dry spots on skin?

Discoid eczema, also known as nummular or discoid dermatitis, is a long-term skin condition. It causes skin to become itchy, reddened, swollen and cracked in circular or oval patches. See your pharmacist or GP if you think you may have discoid eczema so they can recommend a suitable treatment.
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What does pityriasis look like?

A single pink or red oval patch of scaly skin, called the "herald patch", usually appears at least 2 days before a more widespread rash develops. The herald patch ranges in size from 2cm to 10cm. It can appear on your tummy, chest, back or neck, and less often on your face or scalp, or near your genitals.
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How did I get pityriasis rosea?

The cause of pityriasis rosea is not known, but it is commonly believed to be caused by a virus or bacteria. Some patients may have a cold before the rash. It is usually seen in children, adolescents, and young adults. Most people with the rash are 10 to 35 years of age.
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Is pityriasis rosea a STD?

It also is not due to any known type of allergic reaction. This condition is not a sign of any type of internal disease. Since it is neither contagious nor sexually transmitted, there is no reason to avoid close or intimate contact when one has this eruption.
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Does ringworm go away by itself?

There's no set time limit for a ringworm infection. Without treatment, it may go away on its own in a matter of months in a healthy person. Or it may not. Ringworm on the body is usually treated with a topical ointment such as terbinafine.
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Does ringworm always itch?

Ringworm (dermatophytosis) is a temporary circular rash that appears red or pink on light skin tones and brown or gray on skin of color. The rash may or may not itch, and it may grow over time.
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Are ringworms itchy?

Ringworm is a common skin infection that is caused by a fungus. It's called “ringworm” because it can cause a circular rash (shaped like a ring) that is usually red and itchy.
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Why is ringworm so hard to get rid of?

Because the fungi can live indefinitely on the skin, recurrences of ringworm are likely. Treatment may need to be repeated. If you have ringworm symptoms, see your healthcare provider for treatment recommendations. It is important to note that common home remedies do not effectively treat this condition.
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What is the fastest home remedy for ringworm?

Aloe vera

Aloe vera has long been used as a natural remedy for both bacterial and fungal infections, and ringworm is no exception. Aloe vera can treat the ringworm and may soothe symptoms of itchiness, inflammation, and discomfort. You can find ointments with aloe vera or apply aloe vera gel directly to the area.
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How long is ringworm contagious?

Ringworm remains contagious during the first 48 hours of treatment in people and for about 3 weeks from the start of aggressive treatment in pets. In both cases, untreated ringworm remains contagious for much longer. The fungal spores themselves can live for up to 20 months.
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