Eczema vs. Ringworm: What to Know

What’s the Difference Between Eczema and Ringworm?

Though they can have similar symptoms of inflamed and itchy skin, eczema and ringworm are different. Eczema can be brought on by a number of factors, while ringworm is a fungal infection that you can usually cure with antifungal medications.

Are the Causes of Eczema and Ringworm Different?

Yes. The cause of ringworm is clear: It’s a fungal infection that lives on the skin.

The cause of eczema is less clear. Doctors believe it’s the result of both genetic and environmental factors.

In addition, certain things can trigger an outbreak or “flare-up” of eczema. These can differ from person to person, but some things are more common than others, like:

• Dry skin
• Certain metals (especially nickel)
• Soaps, fragrances, household cleaners that irritate the skin
• Cigarette smoke
• Dry environments
• Fabrics like wool or polyester
• Antibacterial ointments and wipes

There are no “triggers” for an outbreak of ringworm. You either have the infection or you don’t.

What Role Do Your Genes Play in Eczema vs. Ringworm?

Doctors know that certain genes make you more likely to develop eczema. And you’re more likely to get eczema if you have a history of skin irritation or allergies in your family.

For ringworm, the role of genes is less important and less clear. For the most part, anyone, no matter what their genetic makeup is, can get ringworm if they come into contact with it. But certain genes can make some people more likely to get skin fungal infections like ringworm. More research is needed to be sure if this is true and how much of a difference it makes.

Are Eczema and Ringworm Contagious?

Eczema is not contagious. You cannot pass it on to another person or get it from someone else.

Ringworm is very contagious. Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal, including household pets, can pass on the infection. Bedsheets, towels, and shared clothes and hairbrushes can also pass on the fungus once an infected person or animal touches them.

To help stop the spread of ringworm, start treatment as soon as possible if you have it. Wash your clothes, towels, and sheets regularly, and keep your scalp and skin clean with regular bathing.

How Do Symptoms of Eczema and Ringworm Compare?

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, 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, it may be time to 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.

How Do Doctors Tell Whether It’s Eczema or Ringworm?

Doctors diagnose eczema in large part 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 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.

How Does Treatment Differ Between Eczema and Ringworm?

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.
• Put on 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.

Keep in mind that 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 ways to treat it.