It can affect various parts of the body, from the feet to the groin to toenails and fingernails. It can also be present on or around the eyelid. However, other conditions can also cause a red, raised rash on the eyelids, including psoriasis and eczema.
Causes
Ringworm is caused by the fungus Tinea. It’s commonly spread through close contact with someone who already has the fungal infection or by sharing towels, clothing, bedding, and combs.
You can also get ringworm from touching an animal that is infected. Pets like cats and dogs commonly have ringworm and can spread it to humans. Common farm animals like cows, pigs, and goats can also carry the fungus.
Ringworm can further be spread environmentally. The fungi can live on surfaces, especially in damp areas like bathrooms and locker rooms. Touching these surfaces and then your eyes can spread the fungus to your eyelid and result in an infection.
Ringworm that affects the face can occur in all ages, but is more common in children, and is found more often in warmer climates.
In children, ringworm can appear pretty much anywhere on the face, marked by its signature red, circular lesions with raised edges. A lesion will be less red as it grows on an area of the face. Women are similar; ringworm can appear pretty much anywhere on the face.
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In men and people who can grow facial hair, ringworm on the face can also present itself in their beards and other facial hair. Generally, this occurs in people who came in contact with an animal that carries the fungus.
It can present itself as intense redness and swelling, facial hair loss, raw, open skin, and pus-filled bumps found in skin under and around the beard.
Risk Factors
Some lifestyle habits are risk factors for ringworm, including:
Not washing hands regularly, especially when in contact with someone else who might have been exposed to ringwormNot washing hands with soap and water after touching, petting, or playing with a pet that might be infectedHaving damp skin for extended periods of time, especially after exercise or intense physical activitySharing towels, clothing, combs, or bedding with someone who is infected with ringworm
Skin Conditions Mistaken for Ringworm
One problem with diagnosing ringworm on the eyelids or face is that there are other skin conditions that can cause similar-looking rashes. These may include:
Psoriasis: Psoriasis on or around the eyes is rare, but it can resemble ringworm. It can cause discoloration, redness, and dryness. Granuloma annulare: This can cause flesh-colored or red bumps and rashes on the skin, and can be confused with ringworm due to the fact that the rashes present in a ring-like shape. Nummular eczema: This type of eczema causes ring-shaped patches on your skin. Seborrheic dermatitis: This can cause small, yellow-tinged scaly skin to collect around the eyelids and eyelashes. Lupus: Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition that can affect the eyes and eyelids. It can result in a well-defined, raised skin lesion.
Comparing the Rash
The distinguishing feature of ringworm is the round, circular shape of the rash it causes. The rash can look red, silverish, or dark depending on your skin tone. It may be scaly, swollen, or dry.
If you are unsure about an unusual rash that has appeared on or around your eyelid or face, consult your medical provider right away to receive an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosis
If you notice any changes to your eyelids, consult your primary care physician. They can diagnose ringworm on your eyelid or face, or they may refer you to a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Your medical provider or dermatologist may be able to assess whether you have ringworm by looking at the infected area. They will see if other parts of your body are infected, including whether you have athlete’s foot or have ringworm on your hands.
Your doctor may also perform a KOH test, which involves scraping off a sample of the infected skin. These samples will then be examined under a microscope to determine if they contain Tinea.
Treatment
Once you have been diagnosed with ringworm, you will most likely be prescribed topical antifungal medication. You will typically apply it to your eyelid twice a day for two to four weeks. Generally, the ringworm scale will start to clear before the redness and rash disappear.
There are also over-the-counter creams and ointments you can use to treat ringworm, including:
Lotrimin, Mycelex (clotrimazole)Lamisil (terbinafine)Xolegel (ketoconazole)
If you have any questions about the best treatment for you, consult your healthcare provider before starting any of these medications.
Prevention
You should never share clothing, towels, laundry, utensils, or combs that may be used by someone who has ringworm. Avoid petting or touching animals that might be infected.
Maintaining proper hand hygiene is crucial to preventing ringworm on your eyelids. Always thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after coming into contact with someone who has ringworm, communal surfaces, or shared towels and clothing.
If you have ringworm on one part of your body, avoid scratching it or touching other parts of your body after touching your eyelids.
Summary
Ringworm causes a red and itchy ring-shaped rash on the skin. It can easily be spread from person to person, by touching infected surfaces or animals, or by sharing towels and clothing with someone who has ringworm. Ringworm can be mistaken for other conditions that can also cause a circular rash, including eczema and psoriasis.
A Word From Verywell
If you have been diagnosed with ringworm, feel you may have it, or know you have been exposed to someone or an animal that has been infected, prevent the spread of this condition. To do this, wash your hands with soap and water, avoid sharing clothes and items between people, and avoid petting animals that might have been infected.
