What is the Difference Between Chickenpox and Hand Foot and Mouth?

Chickenpox and hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) are both contagious viral illnesses that commonly affect children and cause a rash. The main difference between the two lies in the distribution and appearance of the blisters.

Here are the key differences between chickenpox and HFMD:

1. Location of blisters: With HFMD, you tend to get blisters on your hands and feet, and blisters or ulcers in your mouth. In contrast, chickenpox usually causes spots all over the body, face, scalp, arms, and legs.
2. Causes: Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), while HFMD is typically caused by the coxsackievirus.
3. Incubation period: The incubation period for HFMD is about 3 to 6 days, and it is about 10 to 21 days for chickenpox.
4. Symptoms: Both diseases are characterized by the symptoms and signs of rash formation, malaise, and fever. However, the chickenpox rash starts on the body's torso and spreads over the next 7 to 10 days outward to the arms and legs. The HFMD rash develops mainly in the hands, feet, and mouth.
5. Treatment: There is no specific treatment for either chickenpox or HFMD. Supportive care, including fever management and prevention of dehydration, is the primary goal for both diseases. For people with severe infections, antibiotics may be prescribed for secondary bacterial skin infections.
6. Complications: Complications of both illnesses include encephalitis and dehydration. Complications of chickenpox also include skin infection, pneumonia, neurologic problems, and Reye's syndrome if a child takes aspirin to treat the symptoms. A complication of HFMD also includes viral meningitis.

It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment if you suspect your child has either chickenpox or HFMD.

Comparative Table: Chickenpox vs Hand Foot vs Mouth

Chickenpox and hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) are both contagious viral illnesses that commonly affect children and cause a rash. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:

Both illnesses share some similarities, such as a rash, malaise, and fever. However, the rash in chickenpox typically starts on the torso and spreads outward, while the rash in HFMD is mainly confined to the hands, feet, and face. The incubation period for chickenpox is longer than that of HFMD, and there is a vaccine available for chickenpox, but not for HFMD.