Both skin diseases make the skin look abnormal. These conditions can also lead to mental health issues because an affected person may feel uncomfortable going out with those ugly symptoms. However, this is a separate topic. I will compare the symptoms of ringworm vs eczema to let you know how to diagnose each one.
Ringworm
It is a long-lasting (chronic) skin disease, inducing ring-shaped patches on the skin. The patches can appear anywhere on the body but mostly on the arms, legs, hands, face, scalp, and trunk.
It is most likely to attack children between 2 to 10. However, there is very little chance of adults being affected by it.
A mold-like fungus is its prime cause that affects individuals with weakened immune systems. Children are more prone to it.
Treatment
Usually, and in most cases, antifungal products are used for its treatment. The medicated over-the-counter products fight fungus and also soothe itching and pain. The treatment shows results within days, and it takes around a few weeks to completely remove this condition.
It can be easily cured. Moderate symptoms do not need treatment.
Does skin go back to normal after ringworm?
Yes, in most cases, the skin goes back to its previous position after the successful treatment. It is better to use medicated products even for moderate symptoms to avoid flare-ups and further complications.
The severe symptoms may take a long time to remove, but after a complete cure, the skin will return to normal.
Eczema
It is a chronic skin disease caused by unknown factors. It is the most common skin disease in children, mostly affecting children under 5.
This is more dangerous than the previous one, even if the symptoms are moderate. Eczema induces redness, patches, scales, inflammation, blisters, itching, and a change of skin color.
These are moderate symptoms. It is not contagious but can spread to other body parts of an individual.
Doctors highly recommend precautionary measures alongside treatment to avoid flare-ups.
Treatment
It cannot be fully cured, but the symptoms can be reduced to avoid complications. It can have long-lasting effects on the skin. Usually, a medicated moisturizing cream is enough to soothe itching and other symptoms that ruin sleep and increase the urge to scratch. Avoid scratching the affected area, which can damage the skin and cause bacterial infection.
Does skin go back to normal after eczema?
It depends. Eczema can have long-lasting impacts on the skin, and this is what makes the condition more dangerous. There is a high chance of getting scars on the skin after removing its symptoms.
If you scratch and the skin gets damaged, there is a high chance of getting scars and discolored skin. Those skin patches can also affect an individual’s emotional health.
However, this does not mean that skin cannot return to normal. The discoloration and scars can take months to years to remove, but they will go away in the future. So, yes, you can meet your normal skin again.
Can you mistake ringworm for eczema?
They have common symptoms of itching and redness, but both cannot be mistaken. The reason is visible ring-shaped patches that do not occur in eczema.
However, nummular eczema is a specific type that induces coin-shaped patches on the skin. That is why most people confuse both conditions. The patches in ringworm have scaly and more raised borders with clean skin inside.
In nummular eczema, the rash is less raised and completely inflamed (not having a normal surface inside of a circular patch).
Comparing ringworm and eczema
Here is a concise comparison of both.
Vs.
| Ringworm | Eczema |
| It causes ring-shaped patches on the skin | It causes raised rash and cracks on the skin |
| It is caused by fungal infection or direct transmission from the affected person. | There is no exact cause for eczema. Hormones, irritants, and infection may induce it. |
| Ringworm causes dry skin and itching in the affected area. | Eczema also makes skin dry and itches more than ringworm |
| Ringworm is contagious | Eczema is not contagious |
| Mild symptoms can fade out within a few weeks without treatment. | Mild and severe signs need treatment, and the symptoms may last for years. |
| It is easily treatable, and symptoms can fully fade out. | There is no 100% cure for eczema, and the symptoms can only be reduced |
| Treatment is straightforward and works within days to weeks. | Treatment is complex and takes longer to work. |
| It is less common and less severe | It is a very common and serious condition. |
Wrapping up
Ringworm and eczema have different causes, triggers, and treatments. They cannot be mistaken, except if the eczema is nummular. After comparing both, you must understand that eczema is more dangerous and takes longer to heal. Treatment is a must, even if the symptoms are moderate. However, it cannot spread from person to person, but ringworm can. Diagnose an underlying condition properly or seek professional help to get the right treatment.
I hope this comparison helped you a lot.
