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Dr. Therdpong Tempark
Pediatrics
Chulalongkorn University
Thailand
Photo Credit: Thailand Medical News

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Photo Credit: Positive Parenting

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The article entitled "Unusual skin manifestation of hand, foot and mouth disease associated with coxsackievirus A6: cases report" details  the findings of many different cases of HFMD associated with coxsackievirus A6 (CA6), different from the typical coxsackievirus A16 (CA16). CA6-related HFMD has been associated with more severe and unusual symptoms, such as the rash/sores on patients' belly and legs, pictured below. CA16-related HFMD is also associated with larger outbreaks and adult HFMD. Coxsackievirus 6 is more worrisome and severe than coxsackievirus 16.

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Washing one's hands is the most important step in prevention, as well as avoiding those with HFMD, as the pathogen is very contagious. Items that have been worn or touched by a person with HFMD should be thoroughly washed or disinfected. HFMD can run rampant in daycare, school, and even locker room settings.

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It is not always necessary to see a doctor when one has contracted HFMD, as patients usually get better on their own in 7-10 days. Over-the-counter medication can be utilized to reduce fever and relieve pain from sores, but hydration is important. One should see a doctor if the patient is very young (<6 months old), symptoms do not improve after 10 days, symptoms are severe, or dehydration is difficult. (More)

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HFMD has a variety of symptoms, including those typically associated with viral pathogens, such as fever, sore throat, and a general unwell feeling. HFMD is characterized by the symptoms of a red rash on the hands and feet as well as lesions on the tongue, gums, and inside of cheeks.

Complications of HFMD can arise, and can potentially be  life-threatening. Possible complications include infected blisters and sores, as well as dehydration. A rare form of coxsackievirus can also involve the brain and cause life-threatening inflammation. (More)

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Coxsackievirus A16
(Structure of Coxsackievirus A16)
Photo Credit: American Society for Microbiology Journal of Virology)

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Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a contagious viral infection that is characterized by sores in the mouth as well as a rash on the hands and feet, commonly caused by a coxsackievirus.
HFMD is common in children under the age of five, and can easily spread at places such as elementary schools, preschools, and daycare facilities.
Sources: Mayo Clinic, CDC

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Center for Disease Control (CDC) Website

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Hand, foot, and mouth disease is common in children under 5 years old, but anyone can get it.

The illness is usually not serious, but it is very contagious. It can spread quickly at schools and day care centers.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease spreads easily.

Symptoms can include fever, mouth sores, skin rash, and more.

Most people can be treated at home.

Not the Same as Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is often confused with foot-and-mouth disease (also called hoof-and-mouth disease), which affects cows, sheep, goats, and pigs.

Humans do not get the animal disease, and animals do not get the human disease.

Visit the National Agricultural Library of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to learn more about Foot-and-Mouth Disease.

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Learn more about Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

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Learn more about Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. It is very contagious and most common in children under 5 years old.