If you develop a red, itchy, circular rash, you may automatically assume it’s ringworm. However, a ring-shaped rash has several possible causes, and ringworm is just one of them.
Ringworm is caused by a fungal infection and gets its name because of its ring-shaped appearance. Ring-like rashes often start small and then expand, possibly adding to your confusion and concern as they grow.
In addition to its shape, a ringworm rash may be pink, red, or brown (depending on your complexion) and have a raised, scaly border. Some people with ringworm also develop blisters.
There are plenty of everyday rashes and skin disorders that look like ringworm. For example, eczema, hives, and some bug bites can leave you with the same circular rash.
Keep reading to learn the different skin conditions that are commonly mistaken for ringworm.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by the bite of an infected tick. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 70% to 80% of people with Lyme disease develop a rash from a tick bite. The rash will likely:
Short answer: if the rash showed up after a tick bite and keeps expanding into a bullseye, think Lyme disease, not ringworm. Here’s the full comparison:
A simple bug bite can also leave behind a circular welt of its own. Unlike Lyme’s bullseye rash, though, it stays contained in one spot instead of spreading outward over the following days.
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that affects people of all ages, even newborns. It’s usually very itchy and can appear as dry rashes, scaly patches, or blisters anywhere on your body.
Nummular eczema (also called discoid eczema) is a type of eczema that causes circular patches on the skin, often on your arms or legs. (Fun fact: the word “nummular” comes from the Latin word for “coin,” since the patches are usually coin-shaped.)
Nummular eczema patches are typically pink, red, or brown (depending on your complexion) and may itch, burn, ooze liquid, and crust over.
Nummular eczema and ringworm can look alike on the surface, but eczema isn’t an infection, so the two need completely different care. Here’s how to tell them apart:
Granuloma annulare is a skin condition that causes small, raised bumps that form a ring along a circular border, which can look a lot like ringworm.
You’ll typically see granuloma annulare on the hands, feet, or forearms. It’s more common in children, though it can show up at any age.
Granuloma annulare isn’t a fungal infection like ringworm. It’s sometimes linked to minor skin trauma, certain medications, viral infections, or thyroid conditions.
If the ring is smooth and skin-toned on the inside and doesn’t itch much, you’re likely looking at granuloma annulare, not ringworm. Here’s the full comparison between the two:
Hives are red, itchy welts that are sometimes circular in shape, similar to ringworm. You may develop hives when your skin reacts to allergens (such as pollen or pet dander), bacterial or viral infections, or certain foods or medications, or even hot or cold weather.
Not only can insect bites or stings also cause hives, a single bug bite can leave behind an isolated, circular welt that resembles a small ringworm patch. The difference usually comes down to shape: a bite welt tends to be raised across the whole bump, while ringworm forms a ring with a clearer, flatter center.
Some people only get hives occasionally and they clear up quickly. Others develop chronic hives that are more difficult to treat.
If the circular welt showed up fast and fades within hours or a couple of days, it’s more likely a hive than ringworm. Here’s what else sets them apart:
Contact dermatitis is an itchy rash caused by an allergic reaction to a specific substance. The rash usually shows up within days of exposure to the substance in question, such as cosmetics, fragrances, jewelry, or plants. For instance, the rash may appear on your leg after you brush up against poison ivy or around your neck after you wear a necklace made with certain metals.
In addition to the rash, you may experience:
If the rash appears soon after touching a specific substance, like a plant, jewelry, or a new lotion, it’s more likely contact dermatitis than ringworm. Here’s how to tell:
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches — usually on your elbows, knees, scalp, or lower back. However, a psoriasis rash can appear anywhere on your body. The rash may vary in color, appearing purple with gray scales on darker skin and pink or red with silver scales on lighter skin.
In addition to the rash, which can range from small spots in one isolated area to major eruptions all over your body, you may experience:
Psoriasis tends to be a long-term, recurring condition with thicker, evenly raised patches, while ringworm is a temporary infection with a distinct ring pattern. Here’s a more detailed look at the differences between them:
Pityriasis rosea is a rash that begins with an oval, slightly raised, scaly patch (called the herald patch) on your face, chest, abdomen, or back. Before the patch appears, you may have a fever, headache, sore throat, or fatigue.
The herald patch is often followed by smaller bumps or spots that form a pattern resembling the branches of a pine tree. The rash is usually itchy and persists for several weeks, then heals without scarring.
Pityriasis rosea can happen at any age but is most common between the ages of 10 to 35. Because the initial patch is oval-shaped, pityriasis rosea is often mistaken for ringworm in its early stages.
If a single oval patch shows up first and is followed by smaller spots spreading across your trunk, you’re more likely to be looking at pityriasis rosea than ringworm. Here’s more about how they differ:
Yes, vybe urgent care can evaluate and treat many types of skin rashes, including ringworm, eczema, poison ivy, Lyme disease, granuloma annulare, bug bites, and more! A provider will examine your skin, identify your rash, explain your treatment options, and prescribe creams or antibiotics if needed. We can also refer you to a specialist if appropriate.
When over-the-counter medications aren’t getting the job done — or you aren’t sure what kind of skin rash you have — our team is here for you. Book an appointment online at any vybe urgent care center, or walk in when it’s most convenient for you.
Nummular (discoid) eczema and granuloma annulare are two of the most common rashes people mistake for ringworm. Neither one is contagious, and neither responds to antifungal cream, which is the easiest way to tell them apart from an actual fungal infection.
Yes, a mosquito bite can leave behind a small, circular welt that resembles ringworm at first glance. The best way to tell them apart is to watch how it behaves over the next few days. A bite welt tends to stay the same size and fade on its own, while ringworm keeps expanding into a larger ring. If you notice a rash expanding into a bullseye pattern, especially after a tick bite, it’s worth having a provider take a look.
One simple way to check is to try an over-the-counter antifungal cream. If it’s truly ringworm, you will often see improvement after 7-10 days of use. If the rash isn’t responding, or you’re not seeing the improvement you’d expect, book a vybe visit or walk in to a location near you so a provider can take a closer look and help you figure out what’s going on.
This content is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. A licensed healthcare provider can evaluate your specific symptoms and situation.
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