If you have ever suffered from an itchy, inflamed skin condition, you know how frustrating and uncomfortable it can be. Two common skin conditions that are often confused with each other are eczema and ringworm. Though they may share some similarities in appearance, the causes and treatments of these two ailments differ significantly.
The Similarities between Eczema and Ringworm
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by redness, itching, dryness, scaling or crusting of the skin (WebMD). Similarly, ringworm is a fungal infection that presents as circular patches on the surface of the skin (Mayo Clinic). Both eczema and ringworm can cause scaly rashes with intense itching—which makes them difficult to differentiate at first glance.
Itching is Common in Both Conditions
The most obvious similarity between eczema and ringworm is their persistent itchiness which can lead to severe discomfort - this also makes them difficult to tell apart just by feeling them out Mayo clinic).
Intense Itchiness May Lead To Scratching & Bleeding
In fact scratching too hard due to severe itchiness might cause bleeding points on the affected area(MedicalNewsToday) – therefore notifying your physician if any symptom remains untreated for long will help manage such symptoms before it worsens.
Differences between Eczema versus Ring Worm
Despite similar characteristics like intense itchiness comparted when looking into different aspect they do look quite different;
- Causes
- Location
- Contagious nature
Causes of Eczema versus Ring Worms
Eczemas occur due variation interactions body encounters; ranging from certain foods , soaps , detergents even stress levels whiles its counterpart mainly occurs as s result of fungus transmitted through contact as well as adopting hygienic behaviour that'll effectively cure persisting of ringworm.
Location
Eczema usually occurs on flexor surfaces, the neck, face and behind the ears - while ringworm usually appears in areas like hands and legs (DermNet NZ)
Contagious Nature
Another major differentiating factor between eczema and ring worm is their contagious nature ; Eczemas are not contagious – whereas Ringworm easily spreads through contact such sharing secluded towels , infectants among others(Insider)
Can Eczema Look Like Ring Worm?
Given the similarities of both symptoms, it can be difficult to differentiate one from another when you're experiencing skin rashes or scaly patches. Furthermore with certain cases where there's inflammation involved accompanied by oozing blister-like eruptions might also give an impression similar to that caused by ring worm.
The main difference which will help us identify side effects from each condition can only be done through performing test analysis based off a patient medical history inclusive of short discussions related to numerous symptoms observed- testing may include blood tests , skin cultures among other diagnosis techniques employed medically.
Treatments for Eczema vs Ring worm
Treatments depend on what kind of disease you’re dealing with ;
Treatment for Eczemas Vulgaris
As earlier explained eczematisis causes may arise coupled busy day-to-day life stress hence avoiding triggers most times allow complete remission however some over-the-counter steroid cream as prescribed by physician is used without delay ( Medical News Today).
Treatment For Ring Worms
Treatment usually comes after your doctor diagnoses your symptoms . He/she prescribes antifungal medications which come inform creams , pills effective enough eliminate those pesky circular foot prints increasingly growing wider across our body surface area. (NHS Inform)
Home Remedies
Some can Try out ;
- Trying over-the-counter creams as earlier mentioned
- Wet dressings
- Soothe up skin using cold compresses thereby reducing the urge to scratch(Healthline)
Prevention Measures
Prevention is always better than cure; here are some effective preventive measures every individual should adhere t in order of minimizing chances of falling victim such ailments:
Eczema prevention
Several tips include preserving healthy and moisturized skin via keeping it hydrated with protective moisture-heavy cream suitable for your specific type of eczema ( Everyday Health)
Ring worm prevention
Stringent hygienic behaviors that'll promote our already challenged low immunity bodies from being virus/persistent fungus prone inclusive of; Keeping exposed, sweaty skin clean , Avoiding direct contact sharing secluded towels clothes etc ( Verywell Health))Giving room for proper ventilation at home & personal things will also help, ( Inside Outer Beauty)
Final Thoughts
Considering similar symptoms initially displayed by both conditions - comparing each according to their identified variations revealed a whole different side effect one encounters differently from the other. It's important therefore to visit doctors or dermatologists when you feel like faced with persisting symptoms for proper diagnosis proffer treatments whether through medical check-ups or simply providing you with preventive measures. “Putting all this into practice might be difficult initially but once incorporated seamlessly in everyday lifestyle could go a long way protecting us against these two common diseases" –Think about.