What Are the Differences Between Herpangina and Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease?

There are many diseases with similar symptoms that can easily be confused in daily life. Herpangina and hand-foot-and-mouth disease are both common diseases, but they are different. Many people often mistake one for the other. Children are the main population with a high incidence of herpangina and hand-foot-and-mouth disease. If one lacks understanding of these two diseases, it is easy to mistake them as the same disease. In fact, there are significant differences between herpangina and hand-foot-and-mouth disease.

1. Different symptoms. Herpangina is characterized by herpes located within the mouth. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease manifests as herpes in the throat, which then spreads to the hands and feet. Some patients may also develop herpes on the backs of their hands and feet, accompanied by fever. The size of the rash is similar to that of rice or mung beans, surrounded by red or grayish-red herpes, without pain, itching, or crusting.

2. Different complications. Herpangina may be associated with bacterial infections but does not cause complications such as encephalitis. In other words, herpangina does not present severe symptoms or life-threatening risks. However, hand-foot-and-mouth disease is the opposite. A few children may develop complications such as myocarditis, pulmonary edema, and aseptic meningitis. In severe cases, some children may develop rapidly and face life-threatening risks.

3. Different causes. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is caused by intestinal viruses, such as Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71. It is more common and contagious in children under 5 years old. Transmission occurs through the digestive tract, respiratory tract, or close contact. Herpangina is caused by Coxsackievirus, Echovirus, and intestinal viruses. It is more common and contagious in children aged 1 to 7 years. Transmission can occur through the intestine, respiratory tract, or indirect contact with contaminated food and clothing.