Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) - Logan Sunday by

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

logsund01 — 2020-12-13 15:25:56 UTC

Center for Disease Control (CDC) Website

What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

logsund01 — 2020-12-13 15:29:34 UTC

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

Causative Agent

logsund01 — 2020-12-13 15:42:34 UTC

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

Symptoms and Complications

logsund01 — 2020-12-13 15:47:03 UTC

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)

Diagnosis/Treatment

logsund01 — 2020-12-13 15:56:55 UTC

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)

Prevention

logsund01 — 2020-12-13 16:02:36 UTC

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.

Emerging Threats

logsund01 — 2020-12-13 16:05:46 UTC

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.

Infographic

logsund01 — 2020-12-13 16:24:30 UTC

Photo Credit: Positive Parenting

Author of Scholarly Article

logsund01 — 2020-12-13 16:32:41 UTC

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

Learn More

logsund01 — 2020-12-13 16:48:22 UTC