Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact us
    • Disclaimer
    • About Us
    • Nutrition / Diet
    • Public Health
    • Mental Health
    • All categories
    Home»Allergy»Causes of a red circle on the skin other than ringworm

    Causes of a red circle on the skin other than ringworm

    Ray JohnBy Ray JohnAugust 27, 2020Updated:August 27, 2020No Comments7 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Reddit WhatsApp Email
    Contact dermatitis Image credit: TisforThan / Shutterstock
    Contact dermatitis Image credit: TisforThan / Shutterstock
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Email

    Ringworm has scaly red spots, or “rings,” on the scalp. But there are several other skin disorders which can cause the same symptom.

    This article discusses skin disorders related to ringworm, and the variety of treatments and prevention strategies.

    Pictures

    • Lupus Image credit: korn ratchaneekorn / Shutterstock.
      Lupus Image credit: korn ratchaneekorn / Shutterstock.
    • Lyme disease Image credit: CDC/ James Gathany, 2007.
      Lyme disease Image credit: CDC/ James Gathany, 2007.
    • Nummular eczema Image credit: Alamy.
      Nummular eczema Image credit: Alamy.
    • Psoriasis
      Psoriasis
    • Contact dermatitis Image credit: TisforThan / Shutterstock
      Contact dermatitis Image credit: TisforThan / Shutterstock
    • Granuloma annulare Image credit: Dermatology11 / Shutterstock
      Granuloma annulare Image credit: Dermatology11 / Shutterstock
    • Pityriasis rosea Image credit: DermNet New Zealand.
      Pityriasis rosea Image credit: DermNet New Zealand.

    Rose Pityriasis

    Pityriasis rosea is a normal, mild skin rash that usually takes 6–8 weeks to complete.

    It causes a scaly pink patch to develop on the skin, about 2–10 centimeters (cm ) in diameter. It can be mistaken for ringworm when the rash is smaller, and it typically occurs on the torso or the neck.

    The rash may be itchy but not painful. It that appear gray, dark brown , or black in dark-skinned people. It that appear pink or red in lighter-skinned people.

    A viral infection such as herpes is possibly the cause of rosea pityriasis. But it is not contagious and can not spread through physical contact.

    Contact dermatitis

    Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema that forms a substance that irritates the skin in response.

    An person with contact dermatitis may have an allergic reaction to certain metals, such as nickel or cobalt, cosmetics or soaps ingredients, or materials such as latex.

    Often the word “contact dermatitis” is used to describe skin irritation after prolonged hand washing, such as diaper rash or broken skin.

    It can be confused with ringworm because contact dermatitis can cause patches of thickened, scaly skin to develop. The patches may be red on a lighter skin, while they may be dark brown, purple or gray on darker skin.

    Nummular eczema

    Nummular eczema, also known as nummular dermatitis or discoid eczema, is an inflammatory condition causing itchy, swollen skin patches to appear in coin-shaped form. That can happen anywhere on the body.

    While they may be smaller, the patches appear to reach 1–4 inches, and may be purple, red or brown. The sensations of scratching or burning can get worse at night, and the patches can leak fluid or crust over.

    Which causes nummular eczema is not clear, but a susceptibility to a certain metal, chemical, or medication could be a trigger. In hot climates, or cold , dry climates, the symptoms can also get worse.

    Granuloma annulare

    Granuloma annulare is an unusual, chronic skin condition. Not infectious or cancerous.

    It causes skin patches to develop with a distinctive border of small, firm bumps. The patches may be 1–5 cm in diameter and appear on the legs and arms, and the bumps may be yellow , red, pink, or purple in colour.

    Usually the rash is not painful so it’s itchy at times.

    The most common form is the annulare of localized granulomas. It affects kids and young adults and typically goes away untreated.

    Experts are not sure exactly what causes granuloma annulare, but it may involve:

    • sun exposure
    • injury to the skin
    • viral infections
    • certain health problems, such as diabetes, HIV, and thyroid disorders

    Psoriasis

    Psoriasis is a common long-term skin condition that occurs when the body creates skin cells too quickly. The cells pile up , creating noticeable patches on the skin’s ocean.

    The patches can:

    • be silvery
    • occur with other color changes
    • be flaky or crusty
    • be itchy or sore
    • cause a burning sensation
    • appear anywhere on the body — but most commonly on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back

    The patches can:

    • be silvery
    • occur with other color changes
    • be flaky or crusty
    • be itchy or sore
    • cause a burning sensation
    • appear anywhere on the body — but most commonly on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back

    Experts believe psoriasis is caused by immune system problems which cause the body to attack healthy skin cells.

    It’s not infectious, it can occur in families, but it’s not always inherited. Can cause psoriasis by the following factors:

    • hormonal changes
    • excessive alcohol intake
    • stress
    • injuries to the skin, including insect bites and sunburn
    • strep throat
    • certain medicines, such as anti-inflammatory or high blood pressure medications

    Lyme disease

    Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by a bite from a black-legged tick.

    People with Lyme disease appear to develop a circular bull’s-eye rash around the bite mark. On lighter skin, it can appear red or purple. On darker skin, it may appear dark brown or black.

    The rash can be itchy or painful and occur with a burning sensation. It may be smooth or have a scaly or crusty outer margin.

    In about half of cases, Lyme disease also triggers flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, muscle aches, and fatigue.

    Lupus

    Lupus is a chronic inflammatory condition on the upper body and face that can cause a red, scaly rash to develop. This rash may sound like ringworm.

    An individual suffering from lupus can also experience:

    • Tiredness
    • joint weakness
    • flu-like symptoms

    The symptoms that flare up for a couple of weeks or longer before they improve for some time.

    Learn more about lupus and find images of the skin changes here.

    Treatments

    The best treatment strategy depends on the cause for a red, circular rash and an correct diagnosis is important.

    Considering the severity of the rash and any other symptoms, a person may benefit from a combination of the following treatments with strategies for home care:

    Avoiding the cause

    Conditions such as contact dermatitis, nummular eczema and psoriasis may occur in response to stimuli, or may flare up. The detection and avoidance of potential triggers that help to keep the symptoms at bay.

    Emollients

    Emollients are medications that hydrate and soothe the skin, minimize itchiness, and prevent inflammation.

    They come in as lotions, sprays, or replacements for soap. A individual can in most cases buy emollients from a pharmacy without a prescription.

    Topical medications and therapies

    Medical care also begins with a medicated ointment or cream that may contain antibiotics or corticosteroids.

    A doctor can also prescribe injections of corticosteroids or capsules, oral antibiotics or oral antihistamines.

    However, for Lyme disease the first-line therapy is antibiotic pills or injections.

    For psoriasis, the wide range of medicated creams includes:

    • dithranol or vitamin D analog creams to slow skin cell production
    • calcineurin inhibitor creams to suppress the immune system
    • coal tar, a thick, heavy oil, to reduce itchiness and inflammation

    Other therapies

    Some types of light therapy can help with granuloma annulare, nummular eczema , psoriasis, and rosea pityriasis, such as ultraviolet light therapy.

    Immunosuppressive therapy can also help with nummular eczema and dermatitis in touch.

    Cryotherapy, which involves freezing skin areas with liquid nitrogen, can help control the annulare granulomas.

    When to see a doctor

    See a specialist, such as a dermatologist, if an unexplained rash persists more than a few weeks.

    It is especially important to receive professional care if the rash:

    • is all over the body
    • is painful
    • seems to be infected
    • begins to blister, especially near the eyes, inside the mouth, or near the genitals
    • occurs with any fatigue or joint pain

    The American Academy of Dermatology recommend receiving emergency care if a rash:

    • accompanies a fever
    • accompanies difficulty breathing
    • appeared suddenly and is spreading quickly

    Summary

    Circular and scaly rashes do not necessarily refer to a ringworm. They may be the product of many common health conditions, some more severe than others.

    There are a number of remedies available, and the right choice depends upon the cause and extent of the rash.

    Anyone that has an unexplained rash should be treated medically. If a rash develops and spreads very rapidly, or if it happens with fever or breathing problems, call emergency services.

    Related Posts

    Does Bactrim Treat Tooth Infections?

    September 18, 2023

    Why does fingering hurt?

    September 16, 2023

    White Blanching After Lip Filler Causes: Procedure & Treatment

    September 13, 2023

    Comments are closed.

    Latest Posts

    Medicare for Seniors: Navigating Healthcare in Your Golden Years

    September 22, 2023

    How Long After Gas-x Can You Drink Alcohol?

    September 19, 2023

    Can I Eat Bananas With Ciprofloxacin?

    September 18, 2023

    Does Bactrim Treat Tooth Infections?

    September 18, 2023

    Does Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream Lighten Skin ?

    September 18, 2023
    About Us
    About Us

    NCCMED serves as a reliable online health and fitness magazine, offering Nigerians essential information to support their pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. This platform acts as a valuable resource, equipping individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their well-being.

    Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
    Top Insights

    What do you need to know about eye cancer?

    December 25, 2021

    What you need to know about sunburn blisters

    April 30, 2020

    What is whoosh effect?

    March 12, 2020

    Subscribe to Updates

    Stay informed about the latest changes in medical science and learn about new developments in the health field.

    © 2023 NccMed.Com.
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact us
    • Disclaimer
    • About Us

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    Ad Blocker Enabled!
    Ad Blocker Enabled!
    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please support us by disabling your Ad Blocker.