This article discusses skin conditions frequently confused with eczema and how you might tell them apart.
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Is Eczema Always Itchy?
Yes, eczema is almost always come with an itch that ranges from mild to severe.
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It appears in the shape of a ring and is usually itchy and red.
Ringworm vs. Eczema
A ringworm rash is usually round with defined edges.
Although eczema rashes can be round, they also occur in different sizes and shapes.
Additionally, ringworm rashes may contain a cluster of small black dots in the center of the ring.
Ultraviolet B (UVB) light from the sun can ease symptoms of psoriasis and certain types of eczema.
Psoriasis vs. Eczema
Eczema is typically itchier than psoriasis.
It often occurs along with eczema.
Unlike eczema, ACD reactions should clear once you avoid the irritating substance.
The condition usually occurs during the spring or summer when people are more likely to be outdoors.
Bacterial Skin Infections
Skin infectionsmay sometimes be mistaken for eczema.
Typically, skin infections caused bybacteria, such as staphylococcus, appear red, hot, and swollen.
Additionally, they may contain pus or ooze a honey-colored crust.
These skin infections may also accompany other symptoms, such as a fever.
They usually respond to topical or oral antibiotics.
Skin Lymphoma
Skin (cutaneous) lymphomais a rare skin cancer not linked to sun exposure.
Typically, skin lymphoma appears as:
Like eczema, lesions can be itchy and scaly.
They are usually red or purple and appear on areas of the skin that arent exposed to sunlight.
People with skin lymphoma may also experience fatigue, highwhite blood cellcounts, and enlargedlymph nodes.
Skin Lymphoma vs. Eczema
Skin lymphoma can look like eczema.
However, it may accompany other symptoms like fatigue and enlarged lymph nodes.
Lupus
Lupusis an autoimmune disease that affects many organs in the body, including the skin.
One common symptom of lupus is a butterfly-shapedrashthat usually appears on the cheeks and nose.
Symptoms like joint pain and fatigue may also signal lupus, but they arent signs of eczema.
Acne
Acnehappens when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
Symptoms of acne include raised whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples.
The lesions usually appear on the face, forehead, chest, back, and shoulders.
Although acne can look like eczema, it isnt itchy.
Acne tends to crop up in oily areas of the skin, while eczema usually affects dry areas.
Acne vs. Eczema
The main difference between eczema and acne is that acne doesnt cause itching.
It can also trigger small, pus-filled bumps to form, which may be mistaken for eczema.
Rosacea is characterized by visible blood vessels and usually only affects the face.
To rule out other conditions, they may have to perform tests.
Apatch testcan help determine if you have allergies.
Abiopsycan reveal important information, such as whether eczema is present in your skin cells.
Additionally, it can let your healthcare provider know if your skin lesions are cancerous or benign.
Summary
Eczema is a common skin condition that’s frequently misdiagnosed.
Knowing the classic signs can help determine if it’s eczema or something else.
Once a diagnosis is confirmed, treatments can help keep your symptoms at bay.
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