Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: June 8, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for an 8-year-old Girl with Blisters in Mouth and Fever

  • Single most likely diagnosis:
    • Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD): This is a common viral illness in children, characterized by sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet, often accompanied by fever. The presentation of blisters in the mouth along with fever makes HFMD a highly probable diagnosis.
  • Other Likely diagnoses:
    • Herpangina: Caused by coxsackieviruses, this condition presents with small, painful blisters or ulcers at the back of the mouth, fever, and sometimes sore throat. It's a common illness in children and could easily be considered given the symptoms.
    • Primary Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infection: HSV can cause oral ulcers and blisters, especially in the mouth, along with fever and irritability. It's a plausible diagnosis, especially if the child has not been exposed to HSV before.
  • Do Not Miss diagnoses:
    • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS): A rare but serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes, usually triggered by an infection or medication. It can present with blisters in the mouth, fever, and skin lesions. Although rare, missing this diagnosis could lead to severe consequences, including significant morbidity and mortality.
    • Infectious Mononucleosis (caused by Epstein-Barr Virus): While it primarily presents with sore throat, fever, and lymphadenopathy, oral ulcers and blisters can occur. It's crucial not to miss this diagnosis due to potential complications like splenic rupture.
  • Rare diagnoses:
    • Pemphigus: An autoimmune disease that can cause blistering of the skin and mucous membranes, including the mouth. It's rare in children but could be considered if other diagnoses are ruled out and the condition persists or worsens.
    • Autoimmune disorders like Behçet's disease or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): These conditions can present with oral ulcers among other systemic symptoms. While rare in children, they are important to consider in the differential diagnosis due to their potential for significant morbidity if left untreated.

Related Questions

What is the average daily bile output?
Does monk fruit affect blood glucose levels?
What is the appropriate pharmacological management for a 4-year-old pediatric patient weighing 19 kg, presenting with dry cough (tos seca) that worsens at night, bilateral hipospasm (hiposfagma) secondary to cough, associated with fever (picos febriles), without respiratory distress, and no prior diagnosis of asthma?
What ear drops are recommended for otitis externa when the tympanic membrane (TM) cannot be visualized?
What is the purpose of bridging to warfarin (International Normalized Ratio (INR) anticoagulant)?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question