Eczema,ringworm, andpsoriasisare common skin conditions that can be difficult to tell apart.
They can all cause an itchy, flaky rash with fine scales and affect similar parts of the body.
However, each has a different cause and characteristics that set them apart.
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This includes the parts of the body that eczema, ringworm, and psoriasis commonly affect.
This directs not only how conditions are diagnosed but also how they are treated and prevented.
In fact, getting eczema as a baby predisposes you to all these other conditions later in life.
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Eczema is brought on by an overreactive immune system.
Eczema affects people of all ages but usually starts before the age of 5.
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Ringworm
Ringworm is an infection sparked by a variety of different fungi.
Ringworm is highly contagious and thrives in moist environments.
Anyone can get ringworm, but children are especially vulnerable to ringworm of the body and scalp.
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Certain types, like athlete’s foot and jock itch, are more common in teens and adults.
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This causes the formation of crusty patches, known asplaques.
Psoriasis is not contagious.
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Even so, there are key differences you should know.
Eczema causes scaly patches of swollen skin with poorly defined borders.
They can cause darker patches on lighter skin and lighter patches on darker skin.
Eczema can also cause:
Ringworm is so-named because of its circular shape.
It is recognized by one or more expanding ring-shaped rashes with a central area of clearer skin.
Ringworm has a similar appearance on the scalp and groin.
Ringworm can also cause:
The main form of psoriasis is calledplaque psoriasis.
The plaques are characterized by raised patches of inflamed, dry skin with well-defined borders.
How Do You Know if It’s Eczema, Ringworm, or Psoriasis?
The diagnosis of eczema, ringworm, and psoriasis often requires an investigation by a specialist called adermatologist.
The diagnosis would involve a review of your medical history and family history along with a physical exam.
A treatment that may work for one condition may not work for the other.
These include:
It is also important to identify and avoid triggers.
Psoriasis is not curable, butpsoriasis treatmentscan help keep symptoms at bay.
There are several approaches dermatologists commonly recommend.
Eczema is an atopic condition affecting kids and adults that causes swollen areas of itchy, flaky skin.
Eczema disease cannot be cured but may clear on its own as a child ages.
Ringworm is a fungal infection that can affect anyone, although children are generally more vulnerable.
Ringworm can be cured with antifungal drugs.
Adults are most commonly affected.
Psoriasis is incurable but can be managed with gentle skincare, medications, and phototherapy.
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