Ringworm vs. Eczema: Key Differences, Symptoms, and Treatment

Symptoms of Ringworm

If you develop ringworm on your skin (such as chest or torso), here are common symptoms to look for, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD):

• Ring-shaped patches on the skin that have a raised, scaly border
• Patches can be red or pink on light skin or brown and gray on dark skin
• Intense itchiness
• A central clearing within the ringworm patch

Causes of Ringworm

The name ‘ringworm’ is completely misleading—this dermatological condition is not caused by worms. It’s caused by a fungi infection, including: 

• Trichophyton
• Mircosporum
• Epidermophyton

This fungi can easily spread in several ways:

• From person-to-person through skin-to-skin contact.
• By touching a pet or another animal infected with ringworm.
• Via using objects like a towel or sports equipment that has ringworm.
• Through touching soil that has ringworm. 

Treatment for Ringworm

Treatment for ringworm includes over-the-counter or prescription antifungal medications. These may be used regularly for up to one month. Even if your skin starts to look better, continue to use the antifungal as directed by your dermatology provider. This will decrease the chances of it coming back. Also, practice good hand hygiene habits by washing your hands after touching a ringworm patch, which reduces potential spread to other areas of your body. Smart skincare, like keeping skin clean and dry is also helpful.

Symptoms of Eczema

Is your dry, itchy skin eczema? Learn more about the symptoms of this inflammatory skin condition, according to the National Eczema Association: 

• Crustiness
• Dryness
• Inflammation
• Itchiness
• Oozing
• Rash
• Scaly patches
• Swelling

Causes of Eczema

It’s likely a combination of factors leads to the development of eczema. Causes include:

• Environmental triggers: Cold, humidity, fragrances, stress, dust mites, and exposure to certain fabrics (like wool or synthetics) or metals (like nickel) can all set off an eczema flare.
• Genetics: Eczema tends to run in families.
• Immune system dysfunction: Overreactivity of the immune system can trigger inflammation in the skin.
• Weakened skin barrier: The skin barrier is responsible for keeping moisture in and keeping out potential irritants. If weakened, it can become dry and prone to irritation.

Treatment for Eczema

Eczema is a recurrent, chronic condition, and unfortunately there is no cure. However, there is reason to be optimistic: “Patients can get their eczema into remission,” says Esmaeili. Treatment focuses on:

• Learning and avoiding triggers: “I commonly see eczema flare in the winter due to cold, dry air that affects the skin barrier, causing a flare,” Esmaeili explains. Hot showers can also negatively impact the skin’s barrier, leading to symptoms of eczema. That said, triggers are different for everyone, so she urges patients to keep a journal that records their flares, plus details about the weather that day, products used, bathing habits, stress levels, and diet details. Over time, you can use this information to detect patterns and pinpoint your personal triggers. 
• Using the right moisturizer regularly: “People with eczema tend to have skin that runs dry. I recommend looking for a cream or ointment that is fragrance-free,” says Esmaeili. Regularly using a skin moisturizer will help create a healthy skin barrier. Here are a few options to consider:
  
  • Vaseline Healing Jelly
  • Vaseline Intensive Care Deep Moisture Body Cream
  • Aquaphor Healing Ointment
• Managing inflammation with a prescription topical steroid, if needed. 

Symptoms

Both eczema and ringworm can cause itchy, scaly, discolored patches on skin. Your dermatology provider can typically diagnose this with a physical and visual exam. However, a specific type of eczema, called nummular eczema, also causes a circular patch on skin that can mimic the appearance of ringworm. If a dermatology provider is uncertain about the diagnosis, they can test a skin scraping to confirm the cause.

Causes

The two causes are very different. Ringworm is caused by a fungus, while eczema is caused by a combination of genetics, environmental triggers, immune system dysfunction, and skin barrier breakdown. While ringworm is contagious, eczema is not.

Treatments

Both conditions are important to effectively treat. “Scratching due to itch creates tears in the skin, allowing bacteria to get in. This makes you more vulnerable to complications like staph infection,” says Esmaeili. 

However, using the incorrect treatment can pose a problem. For example, using a topical steroid on a fungal infection like ringworm can make the rash worse, says Esmaeili. That’s why it’s important to get the right diagnosis. We treat ringworm with a topical antifungal medication. Eczema is treated with trigger management, gentle skincare, including moisturizing, and possibly topical treatments such as steroids.