What Are the Clinical Manifestations of Severe Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

Question

Are many blisters appearing on a child’s hands and mouth a sign of severe hand, foot, and mouth disease?

Answer

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is an infectious disease caused by a virus, characterized primarily by rashes on the hands, feet, mouth, and buttocks. Before the onset of the disease, patients may experience symptoms similar to the flu, such as fever, fatigue, coughing, and runny nose. Some cases may also be accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms like loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. During the illness, rashes on the oral mucosa usually appear first, initially as maculopapular eruptions or vesicles, mainly distributed on the lips and tongue. Subsequently, maculopapular eruptions or vesicles may appear on distal parts of the hands and feet. These rashes typically do not cause pain or itching. If a child exhibits these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention for diagnosis and treatment promptly.