Are mouth ulcers a symptom of hand, foot, and mouth disease?

Oral ulcers and hand-foot-and-mouth disease are two distinct conditions, which can be differentiated based on the following aspects: 1. **Etiology**: Oral ulcers are mainly caused by improper diet, vitamin deficiencies, immune system issues, or psychological factors. They are ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease, however, is an acute infectious disease caused by enteroviruses. 2. **Clinical Presentation**: Oral ulcers typically present as round or oval ulcers on the lips, tongue, or buccal mucosa within the mouth, accompanied by significant pain, redness, and swelling. In contrast, hand-foot-and-mouth disease is characterized by vesicles appearing on the hands, feet, and in the mouth. Some affected children may also experience fever, cough, or other cold-like symptoms. 3. **Contagiousness**: Oral ulcers are non-contagious and classified as a self-limiting disease, usually resolving spontaneously within two weeks. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease, on the other hand, is contagious and primarily spreads through direct contact. Patients require isolation and treatment. If you have any concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.