What is the Difference Between Eczema and Ringworm?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Eczema and ringworm are both skin conditions that can cause inflamed and itchy skin, but they have different causes and treatments. Here are the key differences between the two:
Causes:
- Eczema is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and can be triggered by various factors such as dry skin, exposure to allergens, or stress.
- Ringworm is a fungal infection caused by a type of fungus called dermatophytes, which lives on the skin.
Symptoms:
- Both eczema and ringworm can cause red, dry, swollen, and crusty skin, as well as itching.
- Ringworm often presents as a scaly, ring-shaped rash, typically on the trunk, arms, or legs.
- Nummular eczema, a type of eczema, can cause round, coin-shaped patches on the skin, which may be lighter or clear in the center, making them appear ring-shaped.
Diagnosis:
- Doctors can usually diagnose eczema or ringworm by examining the skin.
- If necessary, a healthcare provider may scrape some skin cells from the affected area to look at under a microscope for ringworm.
Treatment:
- Ringworm can usually be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications.
- There is no cure for eczema, but treatment aims to help clear flare-ups and may include topical treatments, oral medications, or lifestyle changes.
If you suspect you have either eczema or ringworm, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider, such as a dermatologist, who can differentiate between the conditions and recommend the appropriate treatment.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Eczema and Ringworm? Comparative Table: Eczema vs Ringworm
Comparative Table: Eczema vs Ringworm
Here is a table comparing the differences between eczema and ringworm:
Feature | Eczema | Ringworm |
---|---|---|
Cause | Eczema is a skin condition caused by the immune system's reaction to irritants or allergens. | Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection caused by a fungus that can live on your skin, hair, or nails. |
Symptoms | Eczema symptoms include redness, dry skin, swelling of the affected area, oozing, and crusting if scratched. | Ringworm symptoms include red, itchy, scaly skin, and in some areas, hair loss. |
Appearance | Eczema can cause dry, scaly patches on the skin. | Ringworm typically presents as scattered circular, itchy, and sometimes oozing patches that can be coin-shaped. |
Treatment | Eczema treatment may include topical corticosteroids, moisturizers, and oral steroids in severe cases. | Ringworm can usually be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications. |
It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment for your specific condition.
Read more:
- Eczema vs Dermatitis
- Eczema vs Psoriasis
- Pinworm vs Ringworm
- Eczema vs Hives
- Atopic Dermatitis vs Eczema
- Acne vs Eczema
- Dyshidrotic Eczema vs Herpetic Whitlow
- Dermatophytosis vs Dermatomycosis
- Paget’s Disease vs Eczema
- Seborrheic Dermatitis vs Psoriasis
- Fungal Infection vs Psoriasis
- Atopic Dermatitis vs Contact Dermatitis
- Atopic vs Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Hives vs Rash
- Pityriasis Rosea vs Psoriasis
- Hives vs Scabies
- Lice vs Dandruff
- Pityriasis Alba vs Tinea Versicolor
- Scabies vs Urticaria