Is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Different from Stomatitis?

My child has blisters on the roof of the mouth, inside the cheeks, and on the tongue. They were diagnosed with stomatitis, but the school says it's not Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), so they can attend school. My child is 9 years old; is there no risk of contagion?

Doctor's Response

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) and stomatitis are distinct conditions. Stomatitis is caused by bacteria or viruses and results in inflammation in the mouth, usually with low contagion. HFMD, caused by enteroviruses, features blisters and ulcers in the mouth, and blistering rashes on hands and feet, and is highly contagious for about a week after the rash begins.

HFMD

HFMD symptoms include fever, mouth ulcers, and blistering rashes on the hands and feet. It is highly contagious, particularly during the first week after the rash appears. The main causes are Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71.

Stomatitis

Stomatitis is typically caused by herpes viruses, bacteria, or fungi, leading to inflammation and ulcers in the mouth with accompanying pain. Its contagion level is generally low, but good personal hygiene is crucial.

How to Differentiate

HFMD: HFMD presents with blistering rashes on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth, often accompanied by mild fever. The rashes are concentrated in these areas and are characterized by blister formation.

Stomatitis: Stomatitis is marked by inflammation and ulcers inside the mouth, without rashes on other parts of the body. The inflammation usually occurs on the tongue, inner cheeks, and roof of the mouth, causing significant pain.

Key Differences

• Different Causes: Stomatitis can be caused by various factors (bacteria, viruses, fungi), while HFMD is specifically caused by enteroviruses.
• Different Symptoms: Stomatitis involves inflammation and ulcers in the mouth, whereas HFMD affects the mouth, hands, and feet with blistering rashes.
• Different Contagion Levels: Stomatitis generally has lower contagion levels, while HFMD is highly contagious for about a week after rashes appear.
  
  

Can Stomatitis Develop into HFMD?

Stomatitis and HFMD are distinct diseases with different causes. Therefore, stomatitis does not develop into HFMD, much like a common cold does not turn into the flu.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the differences between HFMD and stomatitis helps in managing and preventing the spread of these conditions. While both involve mouth ulcers, their causes, symptoms, and contagion levels vary significantly.

References:

• Mayo Clinic - Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
• WebMD - Stomatitis