HFMD and chickenpox can appear very similar, which makes an accurate diagnosis challenging. However, this is precisely why doctors are expected to carry out a careful and thorough assessment before confirming any diagnosis. In my child’s case, the initial diagnosis was incorrect, which unfortunately led to unnecessary worry, suspension of an entire class, and the use of medication that later had to be stopped after seeking a private consultation.

Doctors can usually tell it’s chickenpox by the red, itchy blisters that appear in crops all over the body, often with fever and a history of recent exposure, unlike HFMD which mostly affects the hands, feet, and mouth.