Difference between Ringworm and Psoriasis

• Tinea capitis – ringworm of the scalp

• Tinea faciei – ringworm of the face

• Tinea barbae – ringworm of the beard

• Tinea manus – ringworm of the hand

• Tinea corporis – ringworm of the body

• Tinea cruris – ringworm of the groin

• Tinea pedis – ringworm of the foot

• Tinea unguium – ringworm of the nails

Characteristics

Ringworm

Psoriasis

Appearance

• This skin condition appears like dry, red circular patches.

• The outer circle appears redder than the inner part.

• Measures approximately around 2 inches in diameter or less.

• As the condition worsens the patch grow larger and redder.

• Patches can occur in singles or in clusters.

• Psoriasis usually appears like dry thick patches with white or silver scales on top.

• The patches vary in sizes and occur in different parts of the body.

• Patches can join together and can cover large areas of the skin.

Etiology

Ringworm is caused by a fungal organism know as dermatophyte.

Psoriasis is caused by the overreaction of the immune system that causes the skin cells to mature in a few days rather than a few weeks.

Areas of Affectation

This condition affects the different areas of the skin, but more on the moist areas of the body, such as the  armpits, feet and groin.

Psoriasis plaques often times appear on scalp elbows, knees, feet, hands and lower back.

Incubation Period

10-14 days after the exposure from an infected person, animal or object.

Psoriasis is a hereditary disease where the immune system overreacts causing skin cells to mature rapidly, it is a chronic skin disease.

Communicability

Highly contagious and spread quickly through direct contact.

This skin condition is not contagious, but it runs in the family genes.

Incidence

Ringworm is common among children but also affects adults.

Psoriasis is common among adults, but it can also affect children and teens.

Signs and Symptoms

• Burning pain felt upon contact with the patches

• Inflammation

• Appearance of blisters, rashes and crusts

• Itchiness and soreness

• Itching associated with this disease is usually mild to none at all. However, when the condition severe the patches tend to be tender are very itchy.

• Inflammation

• Flaking of the skin

• There are instances that this condition is associated with swollen, tender, painful joints – psoriatic arthritis

• This condition is also associated with changes in  nail color. The nails can even separate from the nail beds, and dead skin cells can build underneath.