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hand,%20foot%20-and-%20mouth%20disease
HAND, FOOT & MOUTH DISEASE
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is characterized by fever, vesicular stomatitis, and papular/vesicular lesions located peripherally (ie palms of hands, knees, soles of feet, buttocks or genitalia).
Oral vesicular lesions are 1-3 mm, mostly found on the buccal mucosa, tongue and soft palate.
Each oral lesion is surrounded by erythema and is tender to touch.
Patient may complain of sore throat or sore mouth, fever and may be difficult to feed.
Most common cause of HFMD is coxsackievirus A16 (A16).

Hand,%20foot%20-and-%20mouth%20disease Patient Education

Patient Education

  • Inform the parent/guardian of the patient’s diagnosis & the possible complications that may occur
    • Infection caused by EV71 are usually accompanied by neurological complications
    • Infection caused by coxsackievirus A16 is the common hand, foot & mouth disease (HFMD) w/ uneventful clinical course & where full recovery is expected
  • Patient should be brought back for consult if any of the following is observed:
    • High fever
    • Lethargy & weakness
    • Child is difficult to feed
    • Urine output is decreased
    • Rapid breathing
    • Vomiting
    • Drowsiness/irritability
    • Unexplained “fits”
    • Myoclonus jerk
    • Limb paralysis
  • Advise parent/guardian that there is no specific treatment for HFMD
    • Maintain adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration
    • No vaccine is available against causative agents of HFMD
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