Hand-foot-and-mouth disease

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a viral illness that manifests as vesicular eruptions on the hands and feet as well as painful ulcers of the oral mucosa. Symptoms usually resolve spontaneously in 7-10 days.

In most cases, there is a prodrome of fever, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and malaise.

Epidemiology

The disease usually occurs in infants and young children (under 5 years) but can occur in older children and adults. Adults in particular may be asymptomatic, yet contagious carriers.

Pathology

It can occur following infection with a wide variety of viruses, but enterovirus 71 and coxsackievirus A16 are by far the most common pathogens .