A circular rash isn’t always ringworm.
Treatment of a circular rash depends on the underlying cause.
In most cases, the condition can be managed, but hives with an allergic reaction calledanaphylaxiscan be life-threatening.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
If you experience trouble breathing, swelling, or chest tightness, call 911.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
1.
Lyme Disease
Lyme diseaseis a bacterial infection that is spread by the bite of an infected tick.
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People living in or visiting the Northeast and northern Midwest United States tend to get Lyme disease the most.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
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2.
Eczema
Eczema(atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition (meaning long-lasting and persistent).
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Granuloma Annulare
Granuloma annulareis a skin condition that affects people of all ages.
The skin condition is a circular ring of raised bumps that has a sunken center.
The cause is unknown.
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It is a common co-occurring condition in people who have diabetes, heart disease, or thyroid disease.
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4.
This causes skin cells to pile up, causing itchy, red, sometimes circular patches.
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Pityriasis Rosea
Pityriasis roseais a common skin condition that will usually go away without treatment.
It most often appears in younger people between the ages of 10 and 35.
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It is round or oval, red or pink, and has a raised edge.
These are usually smaller at 0.40.8 inches wide.
Lupus
Discoid lupusis an autoimmune disease that can cause a rash that can look somewhat circular (discoid).
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The rash is thick, raised, and scaly.
Sometimes, its also itchy.
The rash is usually on the face, ears, and scalp.
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They can take days to a few weeks to heal.
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Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitiscan happen if an irritant or allergen touches the skin and causes a reaction.
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Substances like soaps, perfumes, and plants are common causes of a rash from contact dermatitis.
The discomfort it causes can usually be managed with topical creams that help with inflammation and itching.
Avoiding triggers is key to preventing the rash from coming back.
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Some people get hives occasionally and they clear up quickly without any issue.
However, some people develop chronic hives that can be harder to treat.
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Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicoloris a fungal skin infection by theMalasseziaspecies.
The patches may be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.
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There may also be mild itchiness.
It is not related to poor hygiene.
As with all fungal skin infections, tinea versicolor is treated with antifungals.
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What Does Ringworm Look Like?
Ringworm is a skin infection due to a fungus.
It is common in children but can affect people of all ages.
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Seek immediate medical care or call 911 if you experience anaphylaxis.
Summary
Some rashes look like the common fungal infection ringworm but aren’t.
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Lupus Foundation of America.Lupus and Skin Rashes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs and symptoms of untreated Lyme disease.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Atopic dermatitis.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZwww.dermnetnz.org2022.
National Eczema Association.Seborrheic Dermatitis.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Granuloma annulare.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: Signs and symptoms.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ and ©Raimo Suhonendermnetnz.org2022
University of Michigan Health - Michigan Medicine.Pityriasis rosea.
Villalon-Gomez JM.Pityriasis rosea: Diagnosis and treatment.AFP.
2018;97(1):38-44.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Lupus.
National Eczema Association.Contact dermatisis.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 ways to get relief from chronic hives.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Ringworm: Signs and symptoms.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment and Intervention for Lyme Disease.
