Impetigo vs Ringworm

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

Feature
Impetigo
Ringworm
Category
Common
Common
Key feature
Highly contagious bacterial skin infection in children. Causes honey-colored crusted sores that spread by touch.
Fungal infection - not a worm. Creates circular red patches with clearing centers. Contagious but easily treated.
Risk factors
Childhood (ages 2-5 most common); Warm, humid climate; Crowded living conditions (daycare, schools)
Direct contact with infected people or animals; Contact sports (wrestling is high-risk); Shared changing rooms, showers, gym equipment
Action needed
Honey-colored crusted sores, especially in a child
Ring-shaped rash not improving after 2 weeks of OTC antifungal

Impetigo

Impetigo is a common, highly contagious bacterial skin infection most frequently seen in children aged 2-5 years. It is caused primarily by Staphylococcus aureus and less commonly by group A Streptococcus.

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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 impetigo?

Quick self-check

Does this look like impetigo? Answer 2 questions.

Are there sores with a golden-yellow (honey-colored) crust?

Is it in a child and spreading to new areas?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

Full ABCDE check →