Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
- Last updated November 23, 2025
✅ Objectives
By the end of these revision notes, you should be able to:
- Understand the aetiology of hand, foot and mouth disease
- Recognise the oral and systemic manifestations of hand, foot and mouth disease
- Know the basic management strategies for hand, foot and mouth disease
What is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection, primarily found amongst children. It is highly contagious but self-limiting.
HFMD can present in a similar fashion to other diseases.
Aetiology of HFMD
HFMD is primarily caused by the coxsackievirus A16, though other enteroviruses may also cause the condition, such as enterovirus 71. Enterovirus 71 is associated with more severe infections.
Transmission is similar to herpangina, including through respiratory droplets, direct contact with contaminated surfaces or vesicular fluid and faecal-oral spread.
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