There’s a possibility that you’ve heard of ringworm. But you may not know that it has nothing to do with worms. As the name implies, it describes the round shape that the ringworm rash often takes; that’s where the “ring” comes into place.
Another common rash that many people can have is eczema. Since it can also be round, it is often mistaken for ringworm. Both conditions can have itchy and inflamed skin symptoms, but ringworm and eczema are different.
Ringworm is a fungal infection that can easily be cured with antifungal medications, while many factors can cause eczema. To be precise, the real cause of eczema is not clear. Doctors believe it’s a result of both genetic and environmental factors.
Flare-ups of eczema can happen, and certain things can trigger it. It usually differs from person to person, but the everyday stuff that typically triggers it are; dry skin, cigarette smoking, soaps, fragrances, household cleaners that irritate the skin, antibacterial ointments and wipes, dry environments, and certain metals.
However, there are no known triggers for an outbreak of ringworm. You either have ringworm or you don’t; There are no two ways around it.
We have written this piece to help you tell the difference between the two.
The difference
It is difficult to tell the difference because they have some things in common. Both conditions can be itchy, flaky, and red. Also, both can last on the skin for weeks or months. Here are some of the differences;
- Ringworm can be cured, while there’s no cure for eczema.
- If you have ringworm and you treat it, the rash usually goes away. But it is not so in the case of eczema. Eczema is indeed a chronic condition. It often needs long-term treatment to manage the symptoms.
- Ringworm is a rash on the skin caused by tinea, a fungus. Many kinds exist, depending on where the inflammation occurs. They include; tinea capitis (scalp ringworm), tinea cruris (jock itch), tinea corporis (ringworm on the body), and tinea pedis (athlete’s foot). Eczema, on the other hand, is not caused by an infection. It is a chronic rash. It usually stems from a faulty skin barrier, allowing the skin to dry and become irritated quickly, leading to eczema. Eczema can have many triggers, including stress, temperature, and exposure to allergens.
If your rash has been on your skin for more than two weeks and doesn’t get better, book an appointment to speak with a doctor.
Maybe you’re concerned about eczema and ringworm; it’s ideal to have it evaluated to get the proper diagnosis. Ringworm and eczema look the same, but the treatments are very different. Therefore, it’s essential to know which type of rash you have. So, get on your phone, and speak with a doctor.
