Red circle on the skin but not ringworm: Other causes Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe Causes of a red circle on the skin other than ringwormMedically reviewed by Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C — By Joanne Lewsley and Mechelle Renee Akers — Updated on June 22, 2022Many conditions can cause flaky patches or “rings” on the skin that could be confused with ringworm. Ringworm is an itchy, round rash caused by a fungus called tinea. Usually, ringworm fades away after a person applies antifungal cream for 7–10 days. Other rashes may look like ringworm but will not respond to treatment with an antifungal cream. The following photos show skin conditions that can cause scaly patches or rings on the skin and may resemble ringworm. Each rash type has a range of treatments and prevention strategies. Pityriasis rosea Share on PinterestPityriasis rosea on a lighter skin tone.DermNet New ZealandShare on PinterestPityriasis rosea on a darker skin tone.VisualDxPityriasis rosea is a common, mild skin rash that may last for 6–8 weeks and often clears up on its own. The initial signs of infection include headache, fever, and cold-like symptoms. Soon after, a single scaly patch, about 2–10 centimeters (cm) in size, forms on the torso or neck. When the first patch appears, it can be mistaken for ringworm. As the condition runs its course, the rash spreads out into larger blotches. The rash is not painful but may be itchy. In those with darker skin tones, it may appear gray, dark brown, or black and can cause flat dark spots lasting several months. In those with lighter skin tones, it may appear pink or red but rarely forms scars. The cause of pityriasis rosea is most likely the cold sore virus. But rosea sores are not contagious and cannot spread to others through physical contact. Also, pityriasis rosea can occur a couple of weeks after a COVID-19 infection. Contact dermatitis Share on PinterestContact dermatitis on a darker skin tone.Indian Journal of Dermatology, 61(1), 119. 2016. doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.174083Share on Pinterest Contact dermatitis on a lighter skin tone. Nunyabb, 2006Contact dermatitis is a form of eczema that results from something coming into contact with the skin. As contact dermatitis can cause patches of thickened, scaly skin, it can be confused with ringworm. The patches may appear dark brown, purple, or gray on darker skin tones, while they usually appear bright red on lighter skin tones. A person with contact dermatitis may be allergic to certain metals, such as nickel or cobalt, ingredients in cosmetics or soaps, or materials such as latex. “Contact dermatitis” can also describe skin irritations such as diaper rash or cracked skin after too much handwashing or dishwashing. In severe cases, the area may bleed or ooze. Nummular eczemaShare on PinterestNummular eczema on a darker skin tone.Mohammad2018, 2018/Wikimedia CommonsShare on PinterestNummular eczema on a lighter skin tone.Lester V. Bergman/Getty Images Nummular eczema, also known as discoid eczema, is a disorder that causes coin-shaped patches of itchy, swollen skin to appear. This type of eczema occurs mainly on hands, arms, or legs and sometimes on the trunk. Ringworm and nummular eczema both look similar because of a circular rash pattern. However, nummular eczema starts as tiny spots that turn into a rash. In contrast, ringworm spreads out with a clear center encircled by a discolored ring. These spots measure 2–10 cm across, although they may be smaller. On lighter skin tones, they appear scaly and pink or red. The areas will look much darker or lighter on darker skin tones. Itching or burning sensations in these areas worsen at night and can be severe. Often, patches will flare up in the same spots on the body, and in serious cases, patches can leak fluid or crust over. It is not clear what causes nummular eczema. Dry skin, extreme stress, sensitivity to a particular metal, and medication may all be triggers. Also, the symptoms worsen in cold, dry climates and in people with poor blood circulation. Granuloma annulareShare on PinterestGranuloma annulare on a medium-dark skin tone.Jesus Hernandez Granuloma annulare is a rare, chronic skin disorder that is not contagious or cancerous. Although the affected skin looks like ringworm, the center of the rash remains a solid color. In this condition, a raised round rash forms with a distinctive border of small, firm bumps. These bumps grow into a ring and mainly develop on the feet, legs, hands, or arms. The rash can appear deeper in color on darker skin, with a purplish-red edge around the outside. On lighter skin tones, the site may be yellow, red, or flesh-colored. The rash is not usually painful or itchy and will often fade without treatment. There are many types of granuloma annulare, but the most common type is localized, primarily affecting children. Experts are not sure exactly what causes granuloma annulare, but it may involve:injury to the skin with a bug bite, tattoo, or stitchestaking certain medications, such as calcium channel blockers or ACE inhibitorsviral infections, including shingles or HIVspecific health issues, such as diabetes or thyroid disorders PsoriasisShare on PinterestPsoriasis on a lighter skin tone.Egor_Kulinich/ShutterstockShare on PinterestPsoriasis on a darker skin tone.Medicshots/Alamy Stock Photo Psoriasis is a common long-term skin condition that develops when the body produces skin cells too quickly. As a result, the cells pile up, forming visible patches on the skin’s surface. In the beginning, psoriasis and ringworm look similar in color and shape. Yet, psoriasis does not go away with antifungal cream and worsens over time. Psoriasis can form anywhere on the body, but it typically appears on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. Patches will appear rose-colored on darker skin and dark red or purple on lighter skin. In addition, a crusty white, yellow, or silvery layer of skin can form over the patches, regardless of the skin tint. For some people, the spots can grow into the joints and nails. In severe cases, people may have difficulty walking or using their hands or arms. Symptoms include itching, soreness, or a burning sensation at the site. Skin cracks and bleeding can occur in repeated flares, putting the area at risk for infection. Experts believe psoriasis comes from issues with the immune system causing the body to attack healthy skin cells. It is not contagious, but it can run in families — though it is not always hereditary. The following factors can trigger psoriasis:hormonal changesexcessive alcohol intakestress or anxietyinjuries to the skin, including insect bites and sunburninfections such as strep throatcertain medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or high blood pressure medications Depending on the type of psoriasis, the patches may heal and not return for months. However, most cases will require medication for long-term management. Lyme diseaseShare on PinterestErythema migrans is a rash usually associated with Lyme disease, which is spread by tick bites. CDC/James Gathany, public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsShare on Pinterest Erythema migrans on a darker skin tone.VisualDx Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of a black-legged deer tick. People with Lyme disease develop a circular bull’s-eye rash around the bite mark. This “target” rash can sometimes be confused with ringworm. Up to 70% of people in the initial stage of Lyme disease will have a rash appear within 5–7 days after the bite. The area may burn, itch, or feel hot to the touch. The center of the rash may contain a bite mark and look like a bruise. On lighter skin tones, the spot will be bright red. However, on darker skin tones, a pinkish-brown ring may appear around a maroon-red area. Also, the bull’s-eye rash may be harder to see on those with darker skin. With or without rash, Lyme disease can cause flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. If left untreated, the symptoms can progress into pain and swelling in the joints, numbness in the hands or feet, and heart or brain damage. Not all tick bites progress to Lyme disease, but a person should consult their healthcare professional if bitten. LupusShare on PinterestLupus rash on a darker skin tone.DermNet New ZealandShare on PinterestLupus rash on a lighter skin tone.Doktorinternet, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause a scaly rash to form on the upper body and face. During a first-time flare, this rash can resemble ringworm. Since skin symptoms of lupus form on skin exposed to sunlight, a person with lighter skin may develop a pink spot with a dark-brown border on their face, neck, arms, or hands. On a person with darker skin, it may be dark black or light pink with a maroon edge. Lupus flares may form scars as they heal. A person with lupus may also experience:fatiguejoint weaknessflu-like symptoms The following factors may trigger flare-ups:exposure to sunlightstress, excess work, or lack of sleepinfectioninjury The symptoms may flare up for a few weeks or longer before improving. Since lupus is a chronic condition, flares can happen again in the same spots or in new areas. Treatments The proper treatment approach for a red, circular rash depends on the cause, and an accurate diagnosis is key. Depending on the severity of the rash and any other symptoms, a person may benefit from a combination of the following treatments and home care strategies: Avoiding triggers Conditions such as contact dermatitis, nummular eczema, psoriasis, and lupus can occur or flare up in response to triggers. Identifying and avoiding specific triggers can help keep the symptoms at bay. Emollients Emollients are moisturizing treatments that help soothe and hydrate the skin, reduce itchiness, and prevent inflammation. People with contact dermatitis, nummular eczema, and psoriasis benefit most from these products. They come as lotions, creams, ointments, or soap substitutes. In most cases, a person can purchase emollients from a pharmacy without a prescription. However, it is essential to know that emollients containing tree nuts may worsen certain skin conditions. A doctor or pharmacist can help choose a safe product. Topical treatments and drugs Professional treatment for these conditions often starts with an ointment or cream, which may contain steroids or antibiotics. A healthcare professional may also recommend steroid injections or tablets, oral antibiotics, or anti-allergy medications. However, for Lyme disease, antibiotic tablets or injections are the first-line treatment. For psoriasis, a wide range of medicated creams include:coal tar, a thick oil, to reduce itchiness and swellingsynthetic vitamin A or D creams to slow skin cell productioncalcineurin inhibitor creams, such as pimecrolimus or tacrolimus, for off-label use to suppress the immune system Even after a person uses topical treatment and steroids, severe cases of psoriasis may require an oral or injectable biologic drug. For lupus, doctors may prescribe calcineurin inhibitor creams, chemotherapy, or malaria treatment. Other therapies Some forms of light therapy, such as ultraviolet light therapy, may help with pityriasis rosea, granuloma annulare, nummular eczema, and psoriasis. Cryotherapy, which involves freezing areas of skin with liquid nitrogen, can help control granuloma annulare. When to speak with a doctor If an unexplained rash lasts longer than a few weeks, reach out to a doctor, such as a dermatologist. It is essential to receive professional care if the rash:appears over the whole bodyis painfulseems infectedproduces blisters, especially near the eyes, inside the mouth, or near the genitalsoccurs with any fatigue or joint pain The American Academy of Dermatology recommends seeking emergency care if a rash:accompanies a feveraccompanies difficulty breathingappears suddenly and spreads quickly Takeaway Rashes that are circular and scaly do not always indicate ringworm. Instead, they can result from several common health issues, some more serious than others. Different treatments are available, and the best approach depends on the rash’s cause and severity. Anyone with an unexplained rash should receive a professional diagnosis. If a rash appears and spreads quickly, or if it occurs with a fever or difficulty breathing, contact emergency services. Last medically reviewed on April 14, 2022AllergyDermatologyPsoriasisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaInfectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses 25 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Ciccarese, J. (2022). Pityriasis rosea during COVID-19: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/jmv.27672Contact dermatitis [Patient information leaflet]. (2021).https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/contact-dermatitis/Contact dermatitis. (2019).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contact-dermatitis/Contact dermatitis overview. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/contact-dermatitisDiscoid eczema. (2019).https://www.bad.org.uk/patient-information-leaflets/discoid-eczema/Granuloma annulare. (2018).https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6546/granuloma-annulareGranuloma annulare: Overview. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/granuloma-annulare-overviewLupus. (2020).https://www.cdc.gov/lupus/index.htmLupus and your skin: Signs and symptoms. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/lupus-symptomsLyme disease. (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/index.htmlLyme disease. (2021).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/Nummular dermatitis overview. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/nummular-dermatitisPityriasis rosea. (2020).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pityriasis-rosea/Pityriasis rosea: Overview. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/pityriasis-rosea-overviewPityriasis rosea [Patient information leaflet]. (2022).https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/pityriasis-rosea/Psoriasis. (2020).https://www.cdc.gov/psoriasis/index.htmPsoriasis. [Patient information leaflet]. (2018).https://www.bad.org.uk/patient-information-leaflets/psoriasis---an-overview/Rash 101 in adults: When to see medical treatment. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/rash/rash-101Ringworm. (2020).https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/index.htmlSigns of Lyme disease that appear on your skin. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/lyme-disease-signsSkar, G. L., et al. (2022). Lyme disease.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431066/Subacute lupus erythematosus. [Patient information leaflet]. (2019).https://www.bad.org.uk/patient-information-leaflets/subacute-lupus-erythematosus/What is psoriasis? (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/whatWhat you don't know about sunscreen, but should. (2018).https://www.lupus.org/resources/what-you-don-t-know-about-sunscreen-but-should#Xhaja, A., et al. (2014). An epidemiological study on trigger factors and quality of life in psoriatic patients.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4130688/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C — By Joanne Lewsley and Mechelle Renee Akers — Updated on June 22, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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