Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease vs Chickenpox: Key Differences
Understanding the key differences between Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease and Chickenpox
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⚡ Quick Summary
Hand, foot, and mouth disease causes blisters mainly on hands, feet, and mouth with painful mouth sores but minimal itching. Chickenpox causes an intensely itchy rash that spreads all over the body. HFMD has no vaccine; chickenpox is vaccine-preventable.
Overview
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and chickenpox are both common childhood illnesses that cause rashes, but they're caused by different viruses and have distinct patterns. Knowing the difference helps parents provide appropriate care and prevent spread to other children.
**Key Point:** HFMD causes blisters mainly on hands, feet, and in the mouth, while chickenpox causes itchy blisters that spread all over the body.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease | Chickenpox |
|---|---|---|
| Rash Location | Hands, feet, mouth, sometimes buttocks | Entire body, starts on trunk and spreads |
| Rash Appearance | Small red spots or blisters, not very itchy | Itchy red spots that become fluid-filled blisters |
| Mouth Sores | Very common, painful sores in mouth | Sometimes present but less prominent |
| Itchiness | Minimal to none | Very itchy |
| Cause | Coxsackievirus or enterovirus | Varicella-zoster virus |
| Vaccine Available | No vaccine available | Yes (varicella vaccine) |
| Duration | 7-10 days | 5-10 days for blisters, 2-4 weeks total |
| Age Most Affected | Under 5 years old | Any age if not vaccinated |
Symptoms Comparison
Symptoms Both Share
- • Fever
- • Fatigue and malaise
- • Loss of appetite
- • Skin rash with blisters
- • Irritability in children
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Specific
- • Painful mouth sores (very prominent)
- • Blisters on palms of hands
- • Blisters on soles of feet
- • Drooling due to mouth pain
- • Blisters may appear on buttocks
Chickenpox Specific
- • Intense itching (hallmark symptom)
- • Rash covering entire body
- • Blisters in various stages (new and crusted)
- • Rash in scalp and hair
- • Higher fever often
Causes
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Causes
- • Coxsackievirus A16 (most common)
- • Enterovirus 71
- • Other coxsackieviruses
- • Spread through contact with blisters, saliva, stool
- • Highly contagious in first week
Chickenpox Causes
- • Varicella-zoster virus
- • Spread through respiratory droplets
- • Direct contact with blister fluid
- • Highly contagious until all blisters crust over
- • Can remain dormant and reactivate as shingles
Treatment Options
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Treatment
- ✓ Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
- ✓ Cold fluids and popsicles
- ✓ Topical oral numbing gels
- ✓ Soft, bland foods
- ✓ Hydration to prevent dehydration
- ✓ Usually resolves on its own
Chickenpox Treatment
- ✓ Calamine lotion for itching
- ✓ Antihistamines for itch relief
- ✓ Cool baths with baking soda or oatmeal
- ✓ Keep nails short to prevent scratching
- ✓ Antiviral medication in severe cases
- ✓ Acetaminophen for fever (avoid aspirin)
How Long Does It Last?
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
7-10 days for full recovery; contagious for about 1 week
Chickenpox
5-10 days for blisters to crust; contagious until all blisters crusted over
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- ⚠️ Very high fever (over 102°F/39°C)
- ⚠️ Child refuses to drink and shows signs of dehydration
- ⚠️ Symptoms lasting more than 10 days
- ⚠️ Rash looks infected (increasing redness, warmth, pus)
- ⚠️ Difficulty breathing
- ⚠️ Severe headache or neck stiffness
- ⚠️ Child is extremely lethargic or unresponsive
- ⚠️ Blisters near the eyes
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease vs Chickenpox
Click on a question to see the answer.
Yes, you can get both illnesses as they are caused by completely different viruses. Having one does not protect against the other. However, chickenpox is now rare in vaccinated children, while HFMD remains common.
No, they are completely unrelated diseases caused by different virus families. HFMD is caused by enteroviruses (coxsackievirus), while chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (a herpes virus). They just happen to both cause rashes in children.
Intense itching is a hallmark of chickenpox, not HFMD. If your child is scratching constantly, it's more likely chickenpox. HFMD rash is generally not very itchy. Also look at the location: HFMD stays on hands, feet, and mouth, while chickenpox spreads everywhere.
Look at the rash location. If the rash is specifically on palms, soles, and mouth, with very painful mouth sores causing drooling and refusal to eat, it's likely HFMD. If the rash is all over the body and extremely itchy, with mouth sores being a minor feature, it's more likely chickenpox.
Yes, both are highly contagious. For HFMD, keep home until fever is gone and mouth sores are healing (usually about a week). For chickenpox, keep home until all blisters have crusted over (usually 5-7 days after rash appears). Check your daycare's specific policies.
Yes, adults can get both, though it's less common. Adults who had chickenpox as children are immune, but those who weren't vaccinated and didn't have it can still get chickenpox. Adults can get HFMD from their children, often with milder symptoms.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.