Hand Foot Mouth Syndrome

Hand Foot Mouth Syndrome

Hand, foot and mouth syndrome, which is a common disease in infants and children under 5 years of age, can also be seen in adults, although it is rare. This hand, foot, and mouth syndrome is caused by a viral infection.

High fever, rash on hands and feet, and white aphthae-like sores in the mouth are among the symptoms. The syndrome is more common in summer or autumn. Hand, foot and mouth syndrome is caused by viruses called “enterovirus”.

These viruses are grouped into coxsackie viruses, polioviruses, ecoviruses, and enteroviruses. The disease is mostly caused by Coxsackie virus A16. Enterovirus 71 can cause secretions of hand, foot and mouth syndrome.

Hand, foot and mouth syndrome can be confused with the disease that occurs in cattle, sheep and pigs. The viruses that cause these two diseases are completely different from each other. The disease in humans cannot be transmitted to animals, and the disease seen in animals cannot be transmitted to humans.

Symptoms

• High fever up to 39 degrees is seen in hand, foot and mouth syndrome.
• The disease is manifested by a feeling of weakness, sore throat.
• It is accompanied by cough and abdominal pain.
• 2 days after the fever starts, aphtha-like sores begin to form in the mouth.
• The sores appear as a painful, fluid-filled rash. The resulting rashes are usually seen in the form of small spots at the back of the mouth.
• It then takes the form of liquid-filled bubbles. After a certain time, their shells break down and ulcerate.
• After mouth sores, rashes begin to form on the skin. Small blisters similar to chickenpox form on the soles of the feet, hands, and palms.
• Initially, it is a normal rash. Then the liquid fills up. In some cases, rashes can also be seen on the knees, genital area and elbows. The rashes on the hands and feet disappear within 1 week without the need for intervention.
• In children, the sore in the mouth may prevent drinking water and dehydration may occur.  Although it is known as hand, foot and mouth syndrome, rash may not always be seen in these areas.
• Rashes may only appear in the mouth or on the skin.

Hand Foot Mouth Syndrome Complications

Complications that may develop in the syndrome are not common. Possible complications;

• Viral or aseptic meningitis may occur, although not very often. Headache, fever, neck stiffness and back pain may be experienced. In rare cases, brain inflammation may be encountered.
• In rare cases, drooping of finger or toenails may occur in children within 1 month. However, it is not known exactly whether this condition develops in relation to hand-foot-mouth syndrome.

Is Hand Foot Mouth Syndrome Contagious?

• Hand, foot and mouth syndrome is a contagious disease. The incubation period is 3-6 days.
• The virus can be passed from child to child. It can also be passed from mother to baby in the womb.
• Transmission occurs by oral or oral fecal-oral route.
• After the virus settles in the mouth or intestines, it can be transferred to the lymph nodes within 1 day.
  It quickly reaches the oral mucosa and skin.
• The virus that causes hand-foot-mouth syndrome can be found in feces, nasal secretions, skin and rashes.
• The disease can be transmitted to the other side as a result of close contact with infected people, coughing, sneezing, contact with dirty objects.
• The disease is usually more contagious in the first weeks. In some cases, transmission can occur even after symptoms have disappeared.

Diagnosis

When a doctor is consulted, the doctor first performs a detailed history and physical examination. It can be easily diagnosed with rashes in the hands, feet and mouth. Laboratory tests are not required for diagnosis.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment method for hand, foot and mouth syndrome. Some measures can be taken to alleviate the complaints that occur. Pain relievers may be prescribed for pain and antipyretic drugs may be prescribed for fever. Products such as mouthwash and spray can be used for painful wounds in the mouth.