Ringworm look-alike rashes can occur due to several reasons. It can chiefly be a fungal infection. These may show-up as circular, itchy, and red-colored rashes. There are other medical conditions that can result in flaky patches or “rings” on your skin. You might mistake this type of rash to be of a ringworm, which is fungi in action. It is worth your while to know more on rashes that look like ringworm but aren’t.
A common skin rash is clearly visible on your skin; your skin sports a different color along with a few changes in the nature of your skin. Such rashes may also be accompanied by inflammation, skin-irritation, itching and discoloration. You may also experience a painful sensation. In addition, your skin may turn bumpy that looks like a normal lump above your skin area that is affected.
Rashes may affect your entire body or a few sites. A variety of factors cause skin rashes, including allergies, infections, exposure to irritants, and they may also be due to a few skin conditions.
Conditions wherein skin rashes look similar to ringworm
There are a few medical conditions causing ringworm-kind-of-skin-rashes; these include pityriasis rosea – viral rash, psoriasis, Lyme disease, subacute cutaneous lupus, and nummular eczema. However, even if all these conditions have almost-similar-looking rashes, each is indicative of different underlying causes. Therefore, approaches to treat each differ.
Pityriasis rosea is a temporary skin rash. This is mostly considered harmless. It is similar to ringworm in appearance, especially in its earlier stages. Beare: this is a condition caused by viruses. This condition often resolves on its own - unlike ringworm which needs antifungal treatment.
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition having no cure; but, its symptoms can be managed. This is similar to ringworm when they show up. Lyme disease – another condition similar in appearance to ringworm - is a tick-borne disease; this is caused by bacterial strands. If untreated, this may lead to a few serious complications such as heart conditions, neurological problems, arthritis, etc.
Subacute cutaneous lupus (SCLE) in the form of ringworm is a Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE); these are skin lesions with no cure but can be managed through effective treatment. Nummular eczema - discoid eczema / nummular dermatitis - is another chronic skin condition; this is quite similar to ringworm in its appearance. Syphilis can also cause ringworm-type rashes on your skin.
Factors that cause skin rashes resembling ringworm
Some of the widely-encountered factors causing ringworm-like skin rashes include:
- Infections – Any viral, bacterial, or fungal infection can result in rashes on skin
- Allergies - If you are allergic to a few food products, medications, or react to substances like pollen, you are likely to get skin rashes
- Irritants – Some irritants like chemical substances, a few types of soaps or detergents may also trigger skin rashes
- Skin diseases of a chronic kind are known to cause skin rashes. They include psoriasis, eczema,, hives – to name some
- Other medical conditions / underlying medical conditions – for example - symptoms of medical problems like rheumatoid arthritis or liver disease may show-up as rashes
How to differentiate between ringworm and other skin rash types?
Granuloma annulare causes skin rash. It is a benign medical condition. Termed as a chronic skin condition causes skin rash that appears reddish with bumps, raised in appearance as well and forms a circular or ring pattern on your skin. It is easy to mistake it for ringworm.
Granuloma annulare is a common condition. It affects children. Even some adults experience Granuloma annulare. However, it is not contagious. This can sometimes be associated with other health ailments like thyroid or diabetes.
Tinea versicolor is another fungal skin infection. It is also termed pityriasis versicolor. This infection occurs due to an overgrowth of yeast on skin. Tinea versicolor is however not a contagious infection. The recovery rate is almost 100% in most people.
Autoimmune conditions like Psoriasis and lupus can result in rash resembling a ringworm. For this, your physician might order few medical tests to determine the underlying cause for skin rash.
Ringworm, however, is typically itchy and scaly unlike Granuloma annulare. You may even mistake this for a bug bite or a rash caused by a tick (i.e., Lyme disease). Beware: Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection unlike medical conditions like psoriasis, Lyme disease, and eczema.
Different types of skin rashes
Apart from ringworm-type of skin rash, you need to know of other kinds of skin rashes:
- Hives (Urticaria) – This is a type of skin rash that is itchy, raised, with red bumps that may disappear slightly when you press it
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) – This kind of rash is a result of a chronic skin conditions; it appears in the form of red-colored, itchy, scaly as well as swollen skin
- Contact Dermatitis – This skin condition causes rashes when you come in contact with an allergen or irritant(s)
- Psoriasis - A medical condition that causes red, scaly patches. It affects elbows, knees and, at times, scalp
- Viral rashes – Rubella or measles show up due to viral attacks; however, different forms of viruses are likely to be the reason for such conditions
What are the differences between rashes and hives? Find out now so you can treat the right condition and feel better faster
Treatment options to combat skin rashes looking like ringworm but aren’t
There are a few options to treat such rashes. You can opt for simple remedies like applying moisturizers to soothe your irritated and dried skin. You can also use cool compresses; here, rashes are loosely wrapped with a damp cloth – this reduces itchiness as well as swelling. You can also use a mild soap and wash affected areas with lukewarm water.
Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is key to avoid most forms of skin rashes. In addition, if you are under stress, you can try stress-reduction techniques like deeper breathing, tai chi or yoga.
You can consult with your physician and obtain needful medications for treating skin rashes. Your physician may prescribe either topical (ointments) or oral tablets – depending on the type of rashes your skin encounters.
If need be, your physician may refer your condition to a dermatologist (a skin specialist) for an advanced level of care and for long-term treatment. It is important to keep your caregiving team updated of the progress your medication plan is making – all through your treatment.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.