Rashes and sores are very common in young children and adults. Whether that rash is contagious or sign of something more serious is a big concern. Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a very contagious virus more prevalent in children and essentially benign. Where children gather – summer camps, schools, play groups – HFMD spreads rapidly. Anecdotally, there has been an uptick in cases in local urgent care facilities.
Although it presents as a mild illness, it can be alarming to see an angry red rash on you or your children’s palms and a mouth full of sores. One of my co-workers has a phobia of HFMD for no identifiable reason. She finds the concept and the symptoms repulsive and will avoid any patient with possible HFMD if she can.
Coxsackie A16 virus is one of a group of enteroviruses that HFMD belongs to. Your provider will diagnose you by an examination and your signs and symptoms. It is easily identifiable visually. Testing is available but usually not necessary. Most commonly seen in children under 5years of age, however, adults can also get it.
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