Are Pink Circular Rashes On The Shin A Sign Of Ringworm Infection?

Posted on Sat, 22 Oct 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 22 Oct 2016 Answered on

Fri, 18 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband has a circle on his shin about 2 inches across. It seems to be getting larger. Slightly pink but the center is discolored and scaly. He thinks it might be ring worm, but I don't think so

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Nummular eczema most probably

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I read history and saw the photo. It seems that most probably your husband may be having eczema. As it is round in shape it may be called nummular eczema. Surrounding skin looks dry. He may be having atopic diathesis. Kindly consult the dermatologist for the perfect diagnosis. The eczema may be due to contact with either allergens or irritants. He may be having mild to severe itching.

I would suggest...

- antihistaminics like Desloratidine 5 mg daily
- steroids (eg. Cortisone) in tapering dose
- apply mild steroid like Mometasone cream or Tacrolimus ointment over the affected area.
- avoid soap bath, use dettol liquid
- keep the skin oily by applying moisturiser cream like liquid paraffin
- stress might exacerbate, so..avoid stress and anxiety
- protect the skin or avoid the contact with suspected allergens or irritants

I hope this would help you in alleviating your husband's skin problem.

Thanks.

Dr.Ilyas Patel MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee