Psoriasis vs Ringworm

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

Feature
Psoriasis
Ringworm
Category
Common
Common
Key feature
Chronic autoimmune condition causing thick, silvery scaly patches. Affects 2-3% of the population. Not contagious.
Fungal infection - not a worm. Creates circular red patches with clearing centers. Contagious but easily treated.
Risk factors
Family history of psoriasis (strongest risk factor); Stress (major trigger for flares); Obesity
Direct contact with infected people or animals; Contact sports (wrestling is high-risk); Shared changing rooms, showers, gym equipment
Action needed
Persistent thick, scaly patches that do not respond to moisturizers
Ring-shaped rash not improving after 2 weeks of OTC antifungal

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly accelerates skin cell growth. Normal skin cells mature and shed in about a month; in psoriasis, this process takes only 3-4 days, causing cells to pile up into thick, silvery-white scales on red, inflamed patches.

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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 psoriasis?

Quick self-check

Does this look like psoriasis? Answer 2 questions.

Are there thick, well-defined patches with silvery-white scales?

Are they on typical psoriasis sites (elbows, knees, scalp, lower back)?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

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