Difference between mpox and hand, foot and mouth disease

Mpox can cause a rash that progresses through similar-looking stages, with lesions that may be deep-seated or painful. It can affect the face, mouth, genitals, or other skin, and swollen lymph nodes may occur. Hand, foot and mouth disease is usually a childhood viral illness with mouth sores and small spots or blisters on the hands and feet; the buttocks can also be involved. Adults can catch it too. Fever may occur with either illness, so fever alone cannot distinguish them. Appearance, symptoms, recent close contact, travel, household illness, and the person's age all help a clinician assess the possibilities.

Avoid close skin-to-skin contact, sharing towels or bedding, and touching rash lesions. Wash hands often, cover open areas when practical, and keep a child with mouth sores or fever away from group activities until clinical advice is clear. Do not pop blisters. Use simple fluids and soft foods if mouth pain makes eating difficult. Arrange a GP consultation before attending in person if mpox is possible, so the service can advise on safe arrival.

Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, confusion, severe dehydration, inability to drink, rapidly worsening pain, a rash near the eye, or extensive skin breakdown. Prompt medical advice is especially important for infants, pregnancy, immune-system problems, or close contact with someone diagnosed with mpox.

Ask whether testing is needed, how long to avoid close contact, how to care for mouth or skin lesions, and which household members need advice. Describe when fever and rash began, where lesions appeared first, and any new close contacts or travel.