Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD): An Overview

Abstract Background: Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a contagious viral infection of mostly young children. The disease is typically associated with lesions on the hands, feet, and the oral cavity with some cases characterized by lesions on the buttocks and genitals. In daycare centers, kindergartens, and schools, outbreak is common, and in these places, children have close contact with each other, thus promoting transmission. The causative agents are most frequently implicated in Enterovirus A71, Coxsackievirus A16 and Coxsackievirus A6. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 5-year-old female child living in an urban area in Central India who presented with low-grades fever of 2 days duration, painful oral ulcers and a vesicular eruption on palms and soles along with buttocks. Physical examination showed the presence of several vesicular lesions in the mouth and the extremities. Investigations in the laboratory were not remarkable, and throat-swab RT-PCR showed Coxsackievirus A16. The child was managed conservatively using antipyretics, the use of oral analgesics, hydration, and counseling of parent. The symptoms subsided in 5 days and at 10 days, the symptoms were fully resolved without complications. Conclusion: HFMD is a self-limiting disease that is however very contagious to pediatric populations. A timely diagnosis, a constructive approach on the management and prevention education, are essential to ensure a successful control of the disease and prevent the unnecessary measures.