Reply #2: Maybe not ringworm, maybe granuloma annulare [View All]

http://dermatlas.med.jhmi.edu/derm/IndexDisplay.cfm?ImageID=-1290060823

In my early 20s I went to my Gen Practitioner doc, and showed him a bright red, perfectly circular ring on my skin. He immediately diagnosed it as ringworm. It looked just like ringworm, and I had 2 cats. Well, after slathering myself in anti-fungal medicine to no avail, I went to a Dermatologist who promptly diagnosed it as Granuloma Annulare, not ringworm. He biopsied it (just scraped a few skin cells off w/a Q-tip) and confirmed the diagnosis. Then prescribed me a topical steroid cream that cleared it up.

Not all granuloma annulare looks exactly like ringworm, but mine did. Above is a pic of what it might look like if it spreads to be more than just one ring.

It is benign and they don't really know what causes it. Mine does flare up in the hot summer months and can get quite ugly on the backs of my knees - I'm sure everyone that sees it (when I wear shorts) thinks I am awash in ringworm! I had to convince my husband that it was okay to sleep in the same bed as me, it's NOT contagious :blush:

Anyway, think about a quick trip to your dermatologist, who can diagnose either condition in a jiffy.