Eczema vs. Ringworm — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 2, 2023
Eczema is a chronic skin condition causing inflammation and itching, while ringworm is a fungal infection that forms ring-shaped rashes.
Difference Between Eczema and Ringworm
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Eczema is a term for a group of medical conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed or irritated. The most common type of eczema is known as atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema. Ringworm, on the other hand, is a fungal infection of the skin, named for its classic ring-shaped rash with a clear center.
Eczema is characterized by itchy, red, and dry skin caused by inflammation. It can appear all over the body and is often found on the face, inside the elbows, behind the knees, and on the hands and feet. Ringworm manifests as scaly, itchy patches that sometimes form a ring-like pattern, typically on the scalp, feet, groin, or other body parts.
While eczema is not contagious, ringworm is highly contagious. It can be spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or by contact with contaminated items like clothing or bedding. Eczema's exact cause is unknown but is believed to be linked to genetics and environmental factors, whereas ringworm is caused by a fungal infection.
Eczema flare-ups may be triggered by environmental factors such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and certain foods. Managing eczema often involves moisturizing creams and avoiding triggers. Ringworm treatment usually involves antifungal medications, as it’s necessary to treat the underlying fungal infection to resolve the symptoms.
Both eczema and ringworm can cause discomfort and distress to sufferers. They both require different management and treatment approaches. It's important to distinguish between the two by recognizing their distinct symptoms and understanding their separate causes and treatments.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Nature
Chronic skin condition.
Fungal infection.
Symptoms
Itchy, dry, red, inflamed skin.
Ring-shaped, scaly, itchy rash.
Contagious
No.
Yes, through contact or contaminated items.
Causes
Genetic, environmental factors.
Fungi called dermatophytes.
Treatment
Moisturizers, avoiding triggers.
Antifungal medications.
Compare with Definitions
Eczema
A medical condition causing the skin to become inflamed.
He uses a special cream to soothe his eczema.
Ringworm
A skin infection characterized by ring-shaped rashes.
He contracted ringworm after using the communal showers at the gym.
Eczema
A type of eczema characterized by itchy, inflamed skin.
Her atopic dermatitis flares up in dry weather conditions.
Ringworm
The medical term for a fungal infection like ringworm.
Dermatophytosis, or ringworm, is treated with antifungal creams.
Eczema
A condition with symptoms of red, itchy, and scaly skin.
Eczema can often lead to sleepless nights due to intense itching.
Ringworm
Another name for ringworm, often prefixed by the body part affected.
Tinea pedis is athlete's foot, a type of ringworm of the feet.
Eczema
Sometimes eczema is related to the body's immune response.
Managing stress levels is important in controlling her eczema.
Ringworm
A skin rash caused by fungi that can spread from person to person.
She got a contagious rash, later diagnosed as ringworm, from her kitten.
Eczema
Eczema is often associated with an intense itch.
The baby’s eczema made him fussy and irritable.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a type of mycosis, which means it's a fungal condition.
Mycosis, such as ringworm, thrives in warm, moist environments.
Eczema
A noncontagious inflammation of the skin, characterized chiefly by redness, itching, and the outbreak of lesions that may discharge serous matter and become encrusted and scaly.
Ringworm
Any of a number of contagious skin diseases caused by several related fungi, characterized by ring-shaped, scaly, itching patches on the skin and generally classified by the location on the body. Also called tinea.
Eczema
A non-contagious acute or chronic inflammation of the skin, characterized by redness, itching, and the outbreak of oozing vesicular lesions which become encrusted and scaly.
Ringworm
A contagious fungal infection of the skin, characterised by ring-shaped discoloured patches, covered by vesicles or scales.
In superficial mycoses infection is localised to the skin, the hair, and the nails. An example is ringworm or tinea, an infection of the skin by a dermatophyte.
Eczema
(usually) atopic dermatitis
Ringworm
A contagious affection of the skin due to the presence of a vegetable parasite, and forming ring-shaped discolored patches covered with vesicles or powdery scales. It occurs either on the body, the face, or the scalp. Different varieties are distinguished as Tinea circinata, Tinea tonsurans, etc., but all are caused by the same parasite (a species of Trichophyton).
Eczema
(sometimes) dermatitis
Ringworm
Infections of the skin or nails caused by fungi and appearing as itching circular patches
Eczema
An inflammatory disease of the skin, characterized by the presence of redness and itching, an eruption of small vesicles, and the discharge of a watery exudation, which often dries up, leaving the skin covered with crusts; - called also tetter, milk crust, and salt rheum.
Eczema
Generic term for inflammatory conditions of the skin; particularly with vesiculation in the acute stages
Common Curiosities
Is ringworm actually caused by worms?
No, it's a fungal infection; the name comes from the ring-like appearance of the rash.
How long does it take for ringworm to clear up?
With treatment, ringworm usually clears up in 2-4 weeks.
What causes eczema?
The exact cause is unknown, but it's linked to genetics and triggers like allergens.
Are there different types of eczema?
Yes, including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema.
Is eczema hereditary?
Yes, it often runs in families.
What are common treatments for ringworm?
Antifungal creams, lotions, and sometimes oral medications.
Does stress affect eczema?
Yes, stress can trigger or worsen symptoms.
Can eczema be cured?
There's no cure for eczema, but treatments can manage symptoms.
Can eczema lead to other health problems?
It can increase the risk of skin infections due to scratching.
Is ringworm related to athlete's foot?
Yes, athlete's foot is a type of ringworm.
Can eczema improve with age?
For some children, eczema symptoms may improve as they grow older.
Can I go swimming if I have ringworm?
It's best to avoid swimming to prevent spreading the infection.
Can pets get ringworm?
Yes, and they can transmit it to humans.
Should I see a doctor for ringworm?
Yes, to get proper treatment and prevent spreading it to others.
Can diet affect eczema?
Some foods may trigger eczema flare-ups in certain individuals.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Lapilli vs. Tuff
Next Comparison
Broken vs. ShatteredAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
