What are the differences between eczema and fungal infection?

Generally, eczema and fungal infections differ in aspects such as causes, skin lesion appearance, affected body sites, characteristics of itching, and laboratory test results. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Etiology: Eczema is often associated with allergic constitution, environmental irritants, and immune dysfunction; it is an inflammatory skin reaction. Fungal infections are caused by invasion of the skin by fungi such as dermatophytes and are contagious to some extent.

2. Skin Lesion Appearance: Eczema presents with polymorphic rashes, including erythema, papules, vesicles, exudation, and crusting, with ill-defined borders. Fungal infections commonly appear as annular or arcuate lesions with elevated, scaly edges and gradual central improvement, resulting in well-defined borders.

3. Commonly Affected Sites: Eczema can occur on any part of the body, frequently affecting the face, hands, feet, and flexural areas of limbs. Fungal infections tend to occur in moist, sweaty areas such as the groin, interdigital spaces of hands and feet, and armpits. They can also involve the scalp and nails.

4. Characteristics of Itching: Eczema-related itching is usually persistent and intense, worsening with heat or irritation. Fungal infection-related itching varies in intensity, is often intermittent, and may be more pronounced at night or in warm environments.

5. Results of Laboratory Tests: Fungal microscopy or culture is usually negative in eczema cases. In fungal infections, microscopy or culture reveals hyphae or spores and yields positive results.

When skin abnormalities occur, self-medication should be avoided, and timely medical evaluation is recommended to establish a clear diagnosis before initiating targeted treatment. It is also important to maintain clean and dry skin to prevent worsening or spreading of the condition.