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Hand, foot, and mouth disease: a case report
L A Cabral1, J D Almeida, M L de Oliveira
1Department of Diagnosis and Surgery, School of Dentistry of São José dos Campos, UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil.
Insights
Hand, foot, and mouth disease, typically seen in children, can affect adults. This case highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis to avoid incorrect treatments for this viral infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness.
- HFMD is primarily caused by coxsackieviruses and echoviruses.
- While typically affecting children, HFMD can occur in adults.
Observation:
- This article details a clinical case of HFMD in a young woman.
- The patient presented with characteristic oral and skin lesions.
- Lesions can mimic other dermatological and oral conditions.
Findings:
- The viral infection was linked to specific coxsackievirus strains (A5, A6, A9, A10, B2, B5) and echovirus 11.
- Differential diagnosis is crucial due to overlapping symptoms with other diseases.
- Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate medication prescriptions.
Implications:
- Highlights the need for increased awareness of HFMD in adult populations.
- Emphasizes the importance of accurate differential diagnosis for dental and medical professionals.
- Underscores the potential for misdiagnosis and subsequent inappropriate treatment of HFMD.
Abstract:
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral infection related to coxsackieviruses A5, A6, A9, and A10, coxsackieviruses B2 and B5, and echovirus 11. It generally affects children, but this article presents a clinical case of a young woman with hand, foot, and mouth disease. Patients with this disease have oral and skin lesions that may be confused with other diseases. The differential diagnosis is very important because both dental and medical professionals may misdiagnose the disease and sometimes prescribe an inappropriate medication.