Skin conditions which can look similar to fungal infection of the body

• Discoid eczema — plaques of papulo-vesicles tend to occur symmetrically on the limbs.
• Pityriasis rosea — symmetrical, and typically affects the trunk and the proximal limbs. The herald patch is almost impossible to differentiate from ringworm without microscopy of scales.
• Pityriasis versicolor — patchy, sharply demarcated macules, with fine scale. Usually there is less inflammation than with tinea corporis. Under Wood's light, the scaly lesions may show pale yellow fluorescence.
• Psoriasis — usually present on the knees, elbows, and scalp. Pitting of the nails may be present.
• Granuloma annulare — single or multiple rings of small, smooth, red or flesh-coloured papules. Itch may be present.

Skin conditions which can look similar to fungal infection of the groin

• Candidal intertrigo — usually more uniformly red, with no central clearing, and may have satellite lesions (see the CKS topic on Candida - skin).
• Erythrasma — more uniformly brown with slight scaling and no active border. Fluoresces a brilliant coral-red.
• Mechanical intertrigo — sharp edge, no central clearing or scale.
• Psoriasis — sharp margination, pitted nails, and knee, elbow, and scalp lesions.
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis — greasy scales, associated with scalp dandruff (see the CKS topic on Seborrhoeic dermatitis).