What are these round rashes on my ankles?

April 4, 2019 7:11 AM

I've had two circular rashes, one on each ankle, for quite a while now (since last fall if not longer). What's going on here?

Both rashes feature some raised bumps around the circumference and are not painful or itchy. (The more prominent one sometimes gets irritated when I wear high tops or otherwise antagonize it.) I've actually seen my doctor twice this year but forgot to mention it both times. They are not getting worse, but neither are they going away, so I guess it's time to figure out if they're harmless, or a symptom of something, or what? Getting treatment is not a problem, I'm just looking for guidance on the correct approach - should I schedule an appointment immediately with my GP, or go straight for a dermatologist referral, or continue to ignore it until I do my already scheduled six month checkup?

posted by Banky_Edwards to Health & Fitness (5 answers total)

Rashes are notoriously hard to figure out without an examination. But ringworm does produce a distinctive rash like this and it is super treatable through your PCP. Go get it checked out.
posted by AlexiaSky at 7:15 AM on April 4, 2019

I'm pretty sure that's ringworm. Not caused by a worm- it's actually a fungus- and it's quite contagious. Treatable with creams, not a huge panic, but you should treat it and sanitize all your bedding, towels, socks, etc.
posted by pseudostrabismus at 7:22 AM on April 4, 2019

Thanks folks, ringworm looks like a good diagnosis, I'm going to hit it with some antifungal cream and if it doesn't clear up I'll get to the doctor.
posted by Banky_Edwards at 7:38 AM on April 4, 2019

Be prepared for the antifungal to take at least two weeks to show any sign at all that it's doing something.
posted by flabdablet at 7:45 AM on April 4, 2019

Currently dealing with ringworm that I caught from one of my cats. I will say that Lotrimin Ultra has done a miraculous job of clearing it up.
posted by whistle pig at 8:42 AM on April 4, 2019