Psoriasis and ringworm are very different conditions. Ringworm is a fungal infection that will go away with treatment. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that comes and goes throughout a person’s life.
When someone develops a rash, they may find it difficult to work out what caused it. A doctor can examine or order tests to determine which condition they have.
In this article, we look at the differences between ringworm and psoriasis and compare them with other conditions that can cause similar rashes.
Both psoriasis and ringworm can cause red, scaly patches to appear anywhere on the body. Both can also lead to intense itching.
A person who has never had ringworm before or is having their first psoriasis flare may not know which condition they have.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. It causes red, scaly plaques that may have a gray hue or peel. During a psoriasis flare, a person develops scaly, red, irritated patches of skin because of the skin’s rapid shedding.
Psoriasis is not contagious. Researchers are not sure what causes psoriasis, but it tends to run in families. Certain factors, such as stress or alcohol, can trigger a flare.
Ringworm causes a red, circular, and often scaly rash. Ringworm is highly contagious, spreading quickly through contact with another person who has the condition.
A fungal infection causes ringworm. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with worms.
Both psoriasis and ringworm can develop in similar places. One type of psoriasis called inverse psoriasis can affect the area around the groin. When ringworm affects the groin area, it is called jock itch.
Psoriasis often affects the scalp. When ringworm affects the scalp, it is called tinea capitis.
Some important distinctions between psoriasis and ringworm include:
