hand, foot and mouth disease

Question 1

hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)

Answer 1

self limiting viral illness in children
caused by coxsackie A virus (CA16) or enterovirus (EV71)

transmitted through faecal oral route , oral-oral or respiratory droplet contact

outbreaks in school

Question 2

clinical features of HFMD

Answer 2

prodrome: low grade fever, malaise, loss of appetite 1-2 before lesions

rash: non pruritic rash. starts as a red macule. develops into a grey vesicle affecting the oral mucosa, hands and feet- palms and soles. blister like sores.

*vital signs
*hydration status
*neurological exam (meningtiis rare complication)

Question 3

investigations

Answer 3

bedside- clinical diagnosis
throat- PCR (causative organism- not routinely peformed)

Question 4

management of HFMD

Answer 4

conservative
supprotive mx- hydration, soft diet
hand hygine

medical
simple analgesia- paracetemol, ibuprofen

self resolution 7-10 days in majority of cases
!! superinfection, dehydration