Nummular eczemais often confused with ringworm because both conditions cause a circular rash.However, they are very different conditions.
Your healthcare provider can help diagnose nummular eczema vs. ringworm based on your symptoms.
Treatment for nummular eczema usually involves moisturizers or topical corticosteroids while ringworm requires antifungal medication.
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They tend to show up on skin that is very dry, while ringworm can happen anywhere.
In general, nummular eczema is also accompanied by more symptoms than ringworm.
People with nummular eczema may experience pain and burning, while people with ringworm may not.
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Frequent Nummular Eczema Symptoms
Nummular eczemais a chronic condition and is not contagious.
The sores can heal in three to four weeks.
Youre more likely to experience nummular eczema on extremely dry skin or skin that has been injured.
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People who have other types of eczema are also more likely to experience nummular eczema.
Common symptoms of nummular eczema include:
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Symptoms tend to start about four to 14 days after exposure to the fungus that causes the infection.
Common symptoms of ringworm include:
Ringworm commonly affects children, but it can affect people of all ages.
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There are known risk factors that make it more likely for certain individuals to have it.
Nummular Eczema
One possible complication of eczema is a skin infection.
However, this puts you at risk of developing an infection.
Hair in the affected area then falls out.
This is especially common in the scalp and beard area.
How Do Healthcare Providers Tell the Difference?
Healthcare providers can usually tell the difference between the two conditions by looking at the rashes and reviewing symptoms.
Itching typically tends to be worse with eczema.
How Is Nummular Eczema Treated?
Treatment options for nummular eczema focus on relieving symptoms and preventing flares.
There are a range of treatment options, from home remedies to prescription medication.
Home Remedies
Daily moisturizing is considered the first line of treatment for eczema.
Hydrating your skin regularly can decrease the itching and swelling associated with eczema.
Topical corticosteroids come in the form of creams and ointments, and are used to improve itching and swelling.
Most topical corticosteroids should be used twice daily.
Hydrocortisone(Cortisone-10 and Cortaid) creams and ointments are common OTC topicals used to improve symptoms of eczema.
Prescription options for eczema include topical steroids, topicalcalcineurin inhibitors, and antibiotics.
Prescription steroids have a higher potency than OTC forms.
An antibiotic may be prescribed if you have developed a skin infection from scratching.
If prescription medications are not helpful, your primary care physician may recommendlight therapyor wet wrap therapy.
How Is Ringworm Treated?
Treatment for ringworm typically involves antifungal medication.
Are Nummular Eczema and Ringworm Contagious?
Ringworm is a contagious skin infection due to fungi.
People are contagious until it goes away, or about 48 hours after treatment begins.
Nummular eczema is not contagious.
Wash your hands frequently, especially after petting animals.
Never share personal items like combs or towels.
Common forms of ringworm like athletes foot and jock itch can often be treated at home with over-the-counter medication.
Antifungal creams, lotions, and powders are meant to be used for about two to four weeks.
If you have not noticed any improvement after that time, see your primary care physician.
One form of ringworm that will not respond to OTC topical treatments is scalp ringworm.
This throw in requires a prescription oral antifungal from a physician.
These medications often need to be taken for one to three months.
Steroids may improve the itching and swelling, but they cannot kill the fungal infection.
This may lead to the infection spreading and weakening your skins defenses.
Using steroid cream can also cause ringworm to change its appearance.
This makes it harder for your primary care doctor to diagnose it and provide the right treatment.
Both can be treated with home remedies, OTC medications, and prescription medications.
However, some treatments like topical corticosteroids used for eczema can make ringworm worse.
However, ringworm has a more defined edge and is usually less itchy.
Ringworm is a fungal infection.
Eczema is not an infection, but can potentially lead to one.
Chronic scratching of the skin can lead to a bacterial skin infection that requires antibiotic treatment.
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American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: nummular eczema overview.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Ringworm: diagnosis and treatment.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of ringworm and fungal nail infections.
American Academy of Dermatology.Eczema types: Nummular eczema signs and symptoms.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Nummular eczema diagnosis and treatment.
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