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However, despite their similarities, nummular eczema and ringworm are two entirely different conditions, with their own unique risk factors and treatment options. If you suspect one of these conditions to be responsible for your symptoms, read on — we’ll help you figure out exactly what you’re dealing with.
Eczema (also known as dermatitis) is an extremely common skin condition — studies show it affects 1 in 5 children and 1 in 10 adults in the UK.
Eczema causes a rash on the upper layer of your skin. It is usually itchy, red, and scaly, and can appear in any area of the skin, including the scalp, hands, arms, legs, and face.
Eczema isn’t contagious, nor is it particularly serious, but it can be extremely irritating, uncomfortable, and embarrassing to live with. Eczema usually fades by itself, but it can come and go throughout a person’s lifetime. There is no cure for eczema, but there are plenty of ways to manage the symptoms and prevent further flare-ups.
The way you treat your eczema will depend on its type. There are seven different kinds of eczema:
Nummular eczema produces small round lesions. These lesions tend to be itchy, red, and inflamed, and they may also ooze puss. Nummular eczema is commonly confused with ringworm.
Below, we’ll discuss how you can treat nummular eczema. For more information on the different types of eczema mentioned above, head over to our eczema types guide.
Nummular eczema generally presents in a similar way to atopic eczema but draws similarities with ringworm due to its disc-shaped appearance. Nummular eczema may develop as a result of:
You’re likely suffering from nummular eczema if you notice:
If you suspect nummular eczema, it’s best to visit your GP to get an official diagnosis. They may deem it necessary to test for infections and allergies before treating your symptoms.
Treatment options for nummular eczema include:
If you’re suffering from nummular eczema, it’s also a good idea to switch to a gentle, dermatologist-approved bath soap or shower gel. The harmful chemicals in most regular soap formulations may exacerbate your condition.
If your symptoms are particularly severe or you’ve developed an infection, your doctor may also prescribe you other medication, such as antibiotics.
Despite its misleading name, ringworm isn’t caused by parasitic worms. It’s actually a contagious fungal infection caused by dermatophytes. Dermatophytes are a type of fungi that feed on keratin; a protein found in skin, hair, and nails.
Symptoms of ringworm include:
As ringworm is contagious, it’s always advised that you:
If you suspect you have ringworm, you must receive confirmation from your pharmacist or GP before attempting to treat your condition. Once they’ve examined your rash, they’ll decide whether to prescribe you antifungal medication. This may come in the form of a gel, cream, or spray, depending on the nature of your rash. You may also require specially-formulated shampoo if the rash is on your scalp.
Antifungal medications such as Clotrimazole Cream or Daktacort Cream are highly-effective against ringworm, and you should see results within a week or so of treatment. However, as with antibiotics, you must continue your treatment per your doctor’s orders, even if the rash has gone away.
If your rash shows no signs of improvement even after the use of medication, seek further advice from your GP.
The symptoms of nummular eczema and ringworm are incredibly similar. This is why it’s always best to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Condition | Cause | Symptoms | Contagious? | Treatment |
Nummular eczema | May be triggered by stress, damage to the skin’s protective barrier, dry or sensitive skin, contact dermatitis, or certain medications | Itchy, discoloured, and inflamed skin, accompanied by a ring-shaped rash. | No | Emollient creams, topical corticosteroids, and antihistamines |
Ringworm | A fungal infection | Itchy, discoloured and inflamed skin, accompanied by a ring-shaped rash. | Yes | Antifungal creams, sprays, gels, or shampoo. |
Skin conditions can be embarrassing at the best of times, especially if they’re visible to others. Fortunately, both of the conditions mentioned above are easily treated. A prescription or over-the-counter antifungal cream can be used to treat ringworm at home. And while nummular eczema cannot be cured, its symptoms are treatable with over-the-counter medications and prescription medication. So, no matter which one you’re suffering with, the best advice is to seek the guidance of a medical professional — either your doctor or local pharmacist. They’ll be able to get you on the path to recovery.
We stock over 1079 treatments for 90 conditions