I can describe what I see in the image, but I can’t diagnose a skin condition from a photo alone.
What the image shows
- Top image: A pink-red, irregular patch on the back of the hand/wrist with mild scaling and a somewhat raised appearance.
- Bottom image: Two well-defined, circular (“ring-shaped”) plaques on the wrist/forearm. They have:
- Raised, reddish borders
- Noticeable scaling
- Relative central clearing (the center looks less inflamed than the edge)
Most likely possibilities
1. Tinea corporis (Ringworm) — Most consistent with the lower image
Features that fit:
- Circular or ring-shaped lesions
- Raised scaly border
- Expansion outward over time
- Central clearing
Common symptoms:
- Itching (often mild to moderate)
- Gradual enlargement
- May spread to nearby skin or other people through contact
2. Nummular eczema
Can cause:
- Round coin-shaped patches
- Red, scaly plaques
- Itching
Less typical because the lesions in the lower image appear to have a more prominent ring-like border.
3. Plaque psoriasis
Can produce:
- Well-defined red plaques
- Silvery-white scale
Usually the scale is thicker and the lesions are not classically ring-shaped.
4. Granuloma annulare
Can form rings on the hands and wrists, but:
- Usually has little or no scale
- Often flesh-colored rather than intensely red
The progression shown
The two photos appear to suggest that an initially less-defined rash (top) later developed into more distinct circular plaques (bottom). If these are indeed sequential images of the same condition, that pattern could be compatible with a fungal infection such as ringworm, but it is not definitive.
Things a clinician would ask
- Is it itchy?
- Has it been growing outward?
- Any pets with skin problems?
- Any recent gym, wrestling, or shared-towel exposure?
- Has steroid cream been used? (Steroids can sometimes alter the appearance of fungal infections and make them spread.)
When to seek medical evaluation sooner
- Rapid spreading
- Involvement of face, scalp, or genitals
- Significant pain, swelling, pus, or fever
- Immunocompromised state
- No improvement after treatment
Important note
A dermatologist would often confirm suspected ringworm with a simple skin scraping and microscopic examination rather than relying solely on appearance.
If you tell me:
- How long it’s been present,
- Whether it itches, burns, or hurts,
- Your age,
- Whether you’ve used any creams already,
I can help narrow down the possibilities further.