Introduction:

Hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) is a self-limited, highly contagious, acute viral infection that occurs mainly in children. The typical clinical presentation is characterized by the appearance of painful oral enanthema, followed by cutaneous lesions on the palms and soles, of different morphology, size, and color. Its diagnosis is mainly clinical, the treatment is symptomatic, and the prognosis is, in most cases, favorable. The purpose of this article is to report a case of HFMD in an adult, alerting to the possibility of this diagnosis in this age group.

Case description:

We present the case of a 35-year-old man with a history of obesity, allergic rhinitis, and varicella in his childhood, who presented to his family doctor with symptoms of pruritic papules on both hands and odynophagia. He also mentioned that he had been taking care of his 15-month-old son at home diagnosed with HFMD seven days before. A clinical diagnosis of HFMD was considered and he was treated symptomatically. Two days later, the exanthema extended to the feet soles and perioral region, and a week later the skin started to peel out, with the nails revealing onychomadesis. We assumed the disease was in remission and maintained supportive and prevention measures.

Comments:

HFMD occurs sporadically in adults. In this age group, the disease affects more often males, and atopy is considered a risk factor for the onset of the disease in adults. The course of the disease is mostly self-limited, resolving in seven to ten days, being symptomatic treatment enough. Although rare, in certain populations, complications associated with HFMD can be life-threatening, which, associated with its high contagiousness, implies an attentive clinical attitude and an early diagnosis to prevent its spread. Thus, in the presence of an adult patient with an abrupt onset of maculopapular rash on the palms and soles, the diagnosis of DPMB should be considered.

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