Ringworm can be confused with the following
conditions:
- Dandruff
(seborrheic dermatitis) is a condition in which there
is an increase in the normal turnover (growth rate) of skin on the scalp, and
the scalp is covered with flakes of dead skin.
- Psoriasis is a long-lasting (chronic) skin condition
that causes itchy, raised red patches topped with silvery, scaling skin. It is
not contagious.
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is an
inflammation caused by an allergic reaction. The rash may be itchy and red,
with raised areas that ooze clear fluid. There may be small blisters. This skin
condition can be chronic and may come and go (intermittent).
- Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that is very
contagious. It appears as a red patch with small, blisterlike bumps that drain
yellowish fluid and can become crusty.
- Folliculitis is
inflammation of a hair follicle, the small pouch that holds the base of a
strand of hair. The follicle may become red and swollen. Folliculitis can be
caused by chemical irritants, bacteria, or fungus.
- Furunculosis is
a bacterial infection with several inflamed areas of skin that have pus (boils)
and can last for weeks or months.
- Alopecia areata
is a condition in which the hair falls out in patches. The cause is
unknown.
- Trichotillomania is a mental disorder
causing a person to pull out his or her hair or twist it until it breaks off.
Sometimes the person also pulls the eyebrows or eyelashes.
