Hand-foot-and-mouth disease

Background

• Caused by coxsacke virus
• Most frequently in children, but can occur in all age groups

Clinical Features

Hand lesions coxsackie virus

• Brief prodrome w/ low fever, anorexia, sore mouth
• Oral lesions appear 1-2d later
  • Vesicles on erythematous base
  • Painful
• Hand/foot lesions
  • Red papules that change to gray vesicles

Differential Diagnosis

• Herpangina
• See also Pediatric Rashes

Workup

• None (clinical diagnosis)
  • If unsure, see Pediatric Fever

Management

• No specific therapy for most, self-limited
• Consider Magic Mouthwash if not tolerating PO intake
• NSAIDS and cool liquids for pain
• Encourage good hand hygiene to prevent spread

Disposition

• Home/Outpatient
• HFMD usually resolves after 7–10 days

See Also

• Enteroviral Infections
• Pediatric Rashes