Introduction:
Hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral disease that affects infants and children. However, affected adults were found to be asymptomatic. This condition is thought to be contagious and caused by different viruses. Adults can be affected by HFMD and experience its symptoms.
What Is Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease?
Some infections can be transferred from children to adults. One such condition is HFMD. It is a viral infection caused by different types of viruses. It tends to spread easily. It is more common among children, but adults are also affected.
HFMD can get better within seven to ten days on its own. A condition called foot and mouth disease should not be confused with HFMD. Foot and mouth disease affects farm animals.
Viruses responsible for HFMD occur throughout the world. They are more common in summer, and their count falls in temperate climates. It was noticed that outbreaks of the disease HFMD occur more often in countries in Asia.
HFMD spreads through fluid present in the skin blisters. Fluid may be directly contacted through nose and throat discharge, droplets, and feces. Skin blisters are infectious until they become crusty and no fluid is in them. The virus may be found in feces for many weeks, even after the blisters are resolved.
What Are the Causes of HFMD?
The viruses that cause HFMD include:
Coxsackievirus A16: This virus is found to cause HFMD in the U.S. (United States).
Coxsackievirus A6: Individuals affected by this virus experience more severe symptoms.
Enterovirus 71(EV-A71): This virus is found to most commonly cause HFMD in East and Southeast Asia.
How Are Adults Affected by HFMD?
Adults get affected by HFMD from others, just as children get affected. The virus that is responsible for causing HFMD is coxsackievirus 16. Sometimes, other enteroviruses may cause HFMD. The virus affects hands, feet, and mouths. It may cause bumps and blisters all over the body.
HFMD spreads quickly during the summer, spring, and early fall. It may spread like wildfire in living conditions. It may also be present throughout the year and in the winter. It may spread in different ways.
These include:
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It may spread through the mouth: Kissing and being close may also spread through the mouth.
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It may spread through inhaling respiratory droplets.
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When fecal matter is touched, it may then enter the mouth.
Affected individuals can spread the infection for seven to ten days. These individuals develop immunity against the virus causing HFMD. Different viruses may cause HFMD. Hence, the individual may be affected again by a different enterovirus. Large outbreaks are not common in the United States (U.S.).
What Are the Symptoms of HFMD?
HFMD symptoms in children and adults can be observed in two stages.
First-stage symptoms include:
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A mild fever may be observed.
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Experience sore throat.
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A runny nose may be seen.
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A little appetite may be observed.
These symptoms go away in a few days. Second-stage symptoms develop, which is why the disease is named HFMD.
These include:
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Rashes that are itchy develop on hands, feet, knees, elbows, genitals, or butt cheeks.
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Mouth sores develop in the mouth that may be painful.
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Presence of swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Fever and feeling sick occur before the blisters appear in the mouth and hands. Small fluid-filled blisters may occur in the throat, tongue, inner cheek, hands, and feet. Children generally develop vesicles, but adults do not get blisters. Hence, the disease goes unnoticed.
How Long Does HFMD Last in Adults?
The HFMD generally resolves in a few weeks. Some symptoms may persist for a more extended period. It was observed that throat sores, throat lesions, and hand lesions may remain for a few weeks. Foot lesions may last for several weeks. Blisters in the mouth cause difficulty swallowing.
How to Diagnose HFMD?
The diagnosis of HFMD involves
Physical Examination: The doctor will examine the mouth, hands, and foot for rashes and ask about other associated symptoms. A throat swab or stool sample is taken to check for the presence of the virus. The age can be considered for diagnosis, and the doctor may ask for any contact with an affected child.
What Is the Treatment of HFMD?
The treatment is not required for HFMD, as it resolves independently within seven to 10 days. The symptoms may be treated at home.
These include:
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Fever and pain may be relieved by taking over-the-counter pain medications.
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Consuming lots of water and fluids helps fight dehydration.
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Using a mouthwash that can numb to relieve pain due to mouth sores.
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Avoid consuming hot, acidic, and spicy foods.
Adults need not take any medications if they do not have any associated symptoms. They may take time off from work if the symptoms are present. It is better to avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth. Individuals affected but not experiencing symptoms may transmit the disease because they think they are normal.
What Are the Complications of HFMD?
The complications of HFMD are considered to be low.
The complications include:
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Fingernails or toenails are lost.
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Encephalitis or a polio-like paralysis may happen.
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Viral or aseptic meningitis may occur.
If pregnant women are affected, they should seek help from healthcare providers and let them know about any contact with the affected individual.
What Are the Preventive Measures for HFMD?
The preventive measures to be taken to avoid HFMD include:
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Hands should be washed often to keep clean.
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It is better to avoid contact with an affected individual with HFMD.
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Disinfecting the surfaces touched by the infected person is needed.
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Washing and disinfecting the surfaces are to be done frequently.
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Using separate utensils for eating and drinking.
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Sharing of items used for personal hygiene, like towels, clothing, and toothbrushes, should be avoided.
Conclusion:
HFMD is a viral infection that can spread quickly. It is more common among children but may affect even adults. Though they are affected, adults do not exhibit symptoms; this condition can be avoided by contacting affected individuals. It may cause some complications, too. Hence, knowing about HFMD, its causes, symptoms, and management becomes important. Knowing about the condition helps a person identify it early and seek help. Early diagnosis helps provide effective treatment.
