Dyshidrotic Eczema vs Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Recurrent itchy small deep blisters on the palms, sides of fingers or soles. A contagious viral illness producing mouth sores and a hand or foot rash.

Research updated 2026-10-23

Key differences What is it?What it looks like Diagrams When it starts Triggers Treatment differences Outlook Complications When to get help Questions Daily Care

Key differences

The same eight facts on every condition comparison.

Usual age

Young adults

Under 5

Where

Palms, sides of fingers, soles

Mouth, palms, soles

Main sign

Tiny deep itchy blisters

Mouth sores and spots on hands and feet

Itch or pain

Very itchy

Mouth sores hurt

Contagious

Yes

Long term

Recurs in flares

Clears in 7–10 days

Scars

Who gets it

People with eczema, sweaty hands

Young children, nursery outbreaks

What is it?

Dyshidrotic Eczema

Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease

What is it?

What it is
Recurrent itchy small deep blisters on the palms, sides of fingers or soles.

What it is
A contagious viral illness producing mouth sores and a hand or foot rash.

What it looks like

Dyshidrotic Eczema

The side of a finger with clusters of tiny pale translucent bumps and dry skin.

Dyshidrotic Eczema Closely grouped small blisters sit on the side of the finger.

Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease

An open palm with scattered pink bumps and small clear blisters.

Palm and fingers Small raised spots and blisters are scattered across the palm and fingers.

A sole with scattered small oval spots and blisters.

Sole of the foot Small oval spots and blisters are scattered across the sole and toes.

Small shallow ulcers on the inner lower lip and tongue.

Mouth sores Small shallow ulcers have pale centers and red rims.

Skin tones

Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease on light skin.

Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease on medium skin.

Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease on brown skin.

Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease on deep skin.

In the skin

Eczema-related inflammation produces small blisters within the outer skin of the hands or feet. Despite the name, blocked sweat glands do not cause this condition.

Enteroviruses spread through close contact and contaminated secretions or stool. Infection can produce mouth sores and small lesions on the hands and feet.

When it usually starts

010203040506070+

Dyshidrotic Eczema. Often occurs in younger adults but is possible at other ages.

Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease. Most common in young children; adults can also be infected.

Causes and triggers

Causes

An inflammatory eczema pattern; despite the name it is not caused by blocked sweat glands.

Enteroviruses spread through close contact and contaminated secretions or stool.

Risk factors

Eczema tendency, Contact allergy

Young children, Close household or childcare contact

Trigger

● Dyshidrotic Eczema

● Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Heat and sweating

Can contribute

Not listed

Irritants

Can contribute

Not listed

Exposure to an infected person

Not listed

Can contribute

Daily Care

Dyshidrotic Eczema

Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Daily care

Habits that help

Apply fragrance-free moisturizer often and after washing
Use a plain cream or ointment that does not sting.
Wash with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser
Pat dry gently and keep necessary hand hygiene without unnecessary repeated washing.
Protect skin during wet work and cleaning
Use suitable protective gloves; cotton liners and breaks help prevent trapped sweat.
Use a cool damp compress for short-term itch relief
Keep nails short and protect sore skin from rubbing.
Change damp socks and let hands cool inside gloves
Heat, sweat and prolonged moisture may worsen blisters; use your prescribed flare plan.

Avoid

Avoid: Fragrance, harsh detergents and known triggers
Read labels rather than assuming a natural or unscented product is safe.
Avoid: Picking, scratching or deliberately popping blisters
Broken skin increases pain and infection risk.

Habits that help

Offer small, frequent drinks
Cool fluids can be easier to swallow when mouth sores hurt; watch for reduced urination.
Choose soft foods that do not sting mouth sores
Avoid acidic or spicy foods while eating is uncomfortable.
Wash hands after toileting, diaper changes and blister care
Careful hygiene matters even after the child starts feeling better.
Keep blisters clean and leave them intact
Cover broken areas with a non-stick dressing when needed.
Follow the hand-foot-and-mouth disease care plan
Offer fluids and age-appropriate pain relief; wash hands carefully and avoid sharing utensils.
Gentle skin care
Avoid picking blisters; antibiotics do not treat the virus.
Fluids and age-appropriate pain relief
Supports comfort and hydration; use medicines according to age and label advice.

Avoid

Avoid: Sharing cups, utensils or towels
Clean frequently handled toys and surfaces to reduce spread.
Avoid: Sending an unwell child back too soon
Follow local childcare advice; poor drinking, unusual sleepiness or worsening illness needs medical advice.

Treatment differences

Treatment approach

—

Care focuses on fluids and age-appropriate relief of pain or fever. Antibiotics do not treat the virus; poor drinking or worsening illness needs medical review.

Outlook

Long term

Blisters often settle over a few weeks and are followed by peeling. Episodes can recur, so treatment and prevention need to address the individual's pattern and possible contributors.

Most people recover within 7–10 days. Keep watching fluid intake while mouth sores hurt; another episode is possible because several different viruses can cause the illness.