From the Guidelines
Yes, hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) can affect adults and cause rashes on all extremities. According to the study by 1, lesions on the hands, feet, and mouth are seen in enteroviral infections, such as that caused by Enterovirus 71, which is a common cause of HFMD.
Key Points to Consider
- HFMD is more common in children under 5 years old, but adults can also be affected, especially if they have close contact with infected children or have weakened immune systems.
- Symptoms in adults are often milder but can include fever, sore throat, painful mouth sores, and the characteristic rash on the hands, feet, buttocks, and sometimes the arms and legs.
- The disease is caused by enteroviruses, most commonly coxsackievirus A16 and enterovirus 71, and spreads through close personal contact, respiratory droplets, or contact with contaminated surfaces.
- There's no specific treatment for HFMD; management focuses on symptom relief with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, cold foods like popsicles for mouth sores, and adequate hydration.
Prevention and Management
- To prevent spreading the infection, practice good hand hygiene, avoid close contact with infected individuals, and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- If you develop high fever, severe symptoms, or symptoms that don't improve after several days, seek medical attention. It's essential to note that while HFMD is generally a mild illness, it can lead to complications, such as dehydration, especially in young children and adults with weakened immune systems, as mentioned in the study by 1.
From the Research
Hand Foot and Mouth Disease in Adults
- Hand foot and mouth disease can affect adults, although it is more common in children younger than 10 years 2, 3.
- The disease is characterized by a low-grade fever, a maculopapular or papulovesicular rash on the hands and soles of the feet, and painful oral ulcerations 2.
- In adults, the symptoms are typically mild and self-limiting, lasting less than 1 week 3.
Rash on Extremities
- The rash associated with hand foot and mouth disease typically affects the palms, soles, and buttocks 3, 4.
- It is not uncommon for the rash to appear on all extremities, although this is not always the case 2, 4.
- The rash is usually asymptomatic, but can be accompanied by painful oral ulcers and fever 4.
Severity and Complications
- While hand foot and mouth disease is usually benign and resolves without sequelae, it can cause severe complications, including neurologic or cardiopulmonary complications 2, 4.
- In rare cases, the disease can be fatal, especially in cases caused by enterovirus A71 4.
- Adults with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions may be at higher risk for severe complications 5.