Is vaginal burning a reported symptom in women with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)?

Vaginal Burning in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

Vaginal burning is not a commonly reported or documented symptom in women with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) based on available clinical guidelines and research evidence.

Understanding HFMD and Its Typical Presentation

• HFMD is a highly contagious viral illness primarily caused by enteroviruses, including coxsackieviruses A6, A10, A16, and enterovirus 71 1, 2
• The classic presentation includes:
  • Fever and sore throat as initial symptoms
  • Maculopapular or vesicular eruptions on the palms and soles
  • Oral lesions (typically vesicles or ulcers) 1
• HFMD predominantly affects children under 5 years of age, though adult cases are increasingly reported 2, 3

Documented Symptoms in Adults with HFMD

• Adult HFMD presentations may differ from those in children and can include:
  • More severe manifestations of the "classical" symptoms 1
  • Unusual exanthems (skin eruptions) that may resemble erythema multiforme 4
  • Nail dystrophies (e.g., Beau's lines or nail shedding) occurring weeks after initial symptoms 5
• However, vaginal burning or genital symptoms are not mentioned in the clinical literature as characteristic features of HFMD 1, 2, 3

Differential Diagnosis for Vaginal Burning

If a woman with HFMD experiences vaginal burning, other conditions should be considered:

• Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC):

  • Characterized by pruritus, vaginal discharge, vulvar burning, and external dysuria 6, 7
  • Associated with normal vaginal pH (≤4.5) 6
  • Diagnosed by visualization of yeast or pseudohyphae on microscopy 6

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV):

  • Presents with malodorous discharge, often with minimal irritation 8
  • Associated with elevated vaginal pH (>4.5) 6
  • Diagnosed by presence of clue cells on microscopy 6

• Trichomoniasis:

  • Characterized by yellow-green discharge, malodor, irritation, and sometimes burning 7, 8
  • Associated with elevated vaginal pH (>4.5) 6
  • Diagnosed by visualization of motile trichomonads 8

Clinical Approach for Women with HFMD and Vaginal Burning

If a woman with confirmed HFMD presents with vaginal burning:

• Perform a thorough evaluation to identify potential co-existing vaginal infections:

  • Measure vaginal pH (normal ≤4.5, elevated >4.5) 6, 7
  • Conduct microscopic examination with saline and 10% KOH preparations 6, 8
  • Consider culture or other diagnostic tests if microscopy is inconclusive 6

• Treat any identified vaginal infections according to standard guidelines while continuing supportive care for HFMD 7, 8

Important Considerations

• HFMD is generally self-limiting, with symptoms typically resolving within a few days without specific treatment 2
• There is no specific antiviral therapy recommended for routine HFMD cases 1
• If vaginal burning persists despite appropriate treatment for common vaginal infections, consider:
  • Possible atypical presentation of HFMD with mucosal involvement beyond the oral cavity
  • Other potential causes of vulvovaginal symptoms unrelated to HFMD 7, 8

Conclusion

Based on current medical literature, vaginal burning is not a recognized or reported symptom of HFMD. If a woman with HFMD experiences vaginal burning, evaluation for common vaginal infections or other causes should be pursued, as these are more likely explanations for this symptom.