Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Question 1

What is the cause of hand foot and mouth?

Answer 1

Most commonly coxsackie A16

BUT ALSO Enterovirus 71

Question 2

What are the clinical features of hand foot and mouth disease?

Answer 2

• mild systemic upset: sore throat, fever
• oral ulcers
• followed later by vesicles on the palms and soles of the feet

Question 3

Answer 3

Question 4

What is the management of hand foot and mouth?

Answer 4

• General advice about hydration and analgesia
• Reassurance no link to disease in cattle
• Children do not need to be excluded from school (But HPA advise to stay off school until better)