Eczema vs Ringworm

How to tell the difference — key features compared side by side.

Feature
Eczema
Ringworm
Category
Common
Common
Key feature
Red, itchy, inflamed skin - the most common chronic skin condition in children. Part of the atopic triad with asthma and hay fever.
Fungal infection - not a worm. Creates circular red patches with clearing centers. Contagious but easily treated.
Risk factors
Family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever; Filaggrin gene mutations (skin barrier dysfunction); Living in dry or cold climates
Direct contact with infected people or animals; Contact sports (wrestling is high-risk); Shared changing rooms, showers, gym equipment
Action needed
Eczema not controlled with regular moisturizing and over-the-counter hydrocortisone
Ring-shaped rash not improving after 2 weeks of OTC antifungal

Eczema

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing red, itchy, dry, and sometimes weeping or crusting patches. It is the most common chronic skin disease in children, affecting up to 20% of children and 3% of adults worldwide.

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Ringworm

Ringworm (tinea corporis) is a fungal infection of the skin caused by dermatophyte fungi. Despite its name, no worm is involved - the name comes from the characteristic ring-shaped rash with a raised, scaly border and clearing center.

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Does yours look more like eczema?

Quick self-check

Does this look like eczema? Answer 2 questions.

Is there intense itching with red, dry, sometimes weeping patches?

Do you or family members have asthma or hay fever?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

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