Sometimes other conditions can be confused with ringworm of the skin. Some of these conditions include:

• Contact dermatitis, a skin rash caused by contact with a substance that causes an allergic reaction or irritates the skin.
• Eczema (atopic dermatitis), 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 long-lasting (chronic) and may come and go (intermittent).
• Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that causes itchy, raised red patches topped with silvery, scaling skin. It is not contagious.
• Pityriasis rosea, a skin rash that causes pink, oval spots on the chest, back, or upper arms.