How can I differentiate between eczema and a ringworm infection? (Photo)

Doctor's Answers 1

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Dr Soon Wee Quah

General Practitioner

Yes, sometimes it can be difficult to tell apart eczema and ringworm infection. Both can cause redness and itchiness on the face or on other parts of the body.

Ringworm is typically ring-shaped or oval-shaped, well-demarcated, red and itchy.

If in doubt, doctors sometimes try a trial of antifungal cream for 1-2 weeks and see if the rash responds to the antifungal cream. If it responds, then it is more likely to be ringworm/fungal infection.

From the photo, the rash looks quite well demarcated. I would suggest a trial of antifungal cream.

Similar Questions

How can I get rid of a recurring ringworm infection?

Thank you for your question. Firstly, it is important to make the correct diagnosis as itchy spots on the back can be due to a number of causes including fungal infection, eczema and psoriasis. Conditions like eczema can be recurrent. If a fungal infection is suspected, you can do a fungal scraping to confirm the diagnosis. If it is indeed a fungal infection, topical anti-fungal creams do help. You should continue applying the cream for a further 1 to 2 weeks after the rash has cleared to prevent recurrence of the rash.

Photo of Dr Colin Theng

Answered By

Dr Colin Theng

Dermatologist

How can I tell that the bumps on my lips are a rash or HSV or something serious? (photo)

Thank you for the question. HSV or herpes simplex virus usually presents as painful blisters and ulcers on the lips. The blisters are usually grouped together in the same area. HSV can be recurrent and some people get repeated blisters frequently over the same area. Other viral infections like hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) can also present with small blisters and ulcers on the lips, and this can be scattered throughout the lips and buccal mucosa. In HFMD, the blisters are also seen on the hands and feet and you may have other systemic signs like fever.

Photo of Dr Colin Theng

Answered By

Dr Colin Theng

Dermatologist

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