Difference Between Hand Foot And Mouth And Chicken Pox
Hand Foot and Mouth and Chicken Pox are two common viral infections that can affect children and adults alike. Both infections have similar symptoms, so it can be hard to tell them apart. However, there are some key differences between the two that can help you identify which one you or your child has.
What is Hand Foot and Mouth?
Hand Foot and Mouth (HFMD) is a viral infection that is caused by the Coxsackie virus. The virus is highly contagious and is usually spread through contact with an infected person's bodily fluids, such as saliva, mucus, or feces. The infection is most common in children under the age of 5, but adults can also get it.
Symptoms of HFMD include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Painful sores in the mouth and on the tongue
- Rash on the hands, feet, and sometimes on the buttocks
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Muscle aches
The rash that appears on the hands, feet, and buttocks is usually red and can be painful. It may also blister and peel, causing discomfort. In most cases, the symptoms of HFMD will go away on their own within a week or two.
What is Chicken Pox?
Chicken Pox is another viral infection that is caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus. Like HFMD, it is highly contagious and is usually spread through contact with an infected person's bodily fluids, such as saliva, mucus, or blisters. The infection is most common in children under the age of 12, but adults can also get it.
Symptoms of Chicken Pox include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Rash that starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body
- Itchy blisters that may burst and then crust over
The rash that appears with Chicken Pox is usually red and itchy. It may also be accompanied by blisters that can be painful. In most cases, the symptoms of Chicken Pox will go away on their own within a week or two.
Differences Between Hand Foot and Mouth and Chicken Pox
While Hand Foot and Mouth and Chicken Pox have similar symptoms, there are some key differences between the two. Here are some of the main differences:
- The rash with HFMD usually only appears on the hands, feet, and buttocks, while the rash with Chicken Pox starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body.
- The blisters with Chicken Pox are usually more severe than those with HFMD.
- HFMD is more common in children under the age of 5, while Chicken Pox is more common in children under the age of 12.
- Chicken Pox can cause more serious complications in adults than HFMD.
Treatment for Hand Foot and Mouth and Chicken Pox
There is no specific treatment for Hand Foot and Mouth or Chicken Pox. In most cases, the symptoms will go away on their own within a week or two. However, there are some things you can do to help relieve the symptoms:
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers to help relieve the pain and reduce fever
- Avoid scratching the rash to prevent infection
If you or your child has a severe case of Hand Foot and Mouth or Chicken Pox, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications to help speed up the healing process and reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Conclusion
Hand Foot and Mouth and Chicken Pox are two viral infections that have similar symptoms but some key differences. While both infections are usually mild and will go away on their own, it is important to take steps to relieve the symptoms and prevent the spread of the infection. If you or your child has a severe case of either infection, be sure to seek medical attention to get the proper treatment.