Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: Symptoms to Look Out For in Adults

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is an infectious disease that affects both adults and children. It is caused by a group of viruses, most commonly the coxsackievirus. Symptoms of HFMD in adults can range from mild to severe and include fever, loss of appetite, sore throat, and headache. In addition, adults may experience painful blisters on their hands, feet, and in their mouths. Other less common signs and symptoms of HFMD in adults include rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of HFMD in adults to ensure that it is properly diagnosed and treated in a timely manner.

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Symptoms of HFMD in Adults

Symptoms of HFMD in adults may range from mild to severe and include fever, loss of appetite, sore throat, and headache. In addition, adults may experience painful blisters on their hands, feet, and in their mouths. Other less common signs and symptoms of HFMD in adults include rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches.

a. Fever

Fever is the most common symptom of HFMD in adults. It typically occurs within the first two weeks of infection and is often accompanied by a low-grade headache. Other less common symptoms of fever during HFMD in adults include muscle aches, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. If fever is particularly severe and accompanied by a rash and/or swollen lymph nodes, one should seek medical care immediately. One should also take care to avoid exposure to others who may be infected with HFMD so that others do not contract the disease. When determining the cause of fever during HFMD in adults, one should keep in mind that the fever may be a symptom of another condition, such as an allergy or an infection. Therefore, a fever may be present without a clear cause. A high fever during HFMD should raise one’s suspicion for a bacterial infection or a complication such as meningitis.

b. Loss of appetite

Loss of appetite is a mild but common symptom of HFMD. It typically occurs within the first two weeks of infection. While losing appetite is not a serious long-term consequence of HFMD, it does often result in an inadequate intake of nutrients, including calories, protein, vitamins and minerals, which can put a patient at risk for other complications such as protein-calorie malnutrition and anemia. It may be possible to encourage a patient who is experiencing loss of appetite during HFMD by offering them bland, easy-to-eat foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as fruit, vegetables, and plain rice. One may also offer sugary beverages, such as fruit juice, soda water, or sweet tea. If a patient is experiencing severe loss of appetite, an intravenous line may be necessary.

c. Sore throat

Sore throat is another mild but common symptom of HFMD. It typically occurs within the first two weeks of infection and is often accompanied by a low-grade headache. A sore throat during HFMD is typically a mild viral infection of the throat. The throat often feels sore and swollen, which is a common symptom of sore throat. Once a sore throat is treated and one’s symptoms have subsided, one may feel better but may still notice a mild sore throat that lasts for a week or two. During a sore throat, one should drink plenty of fluids, including water and non-caffeinated drinks such as fruit juice, so that the throat remains moist. One may want to avoid swallowing mucus as this can lead to an irritated throat. One may also want to gargle with salt water to help loosen mucus in the throat.

d. Headache

A headache during HFMD is a common symptom of the disease and occurs in about half of all adults who experience a bout of HFMD. HFMD causes a headache due to a combination of several factors, including an elevated temperature, a bacterial infection in the sinuses, and inflammation in or around the brain or spinal cord. Headache during HFMD may be mild, moderate, or severe and typically is accompanied by a low-grade fever. There are several ways to treat a headache during HFMD. Some patients find that taking an aspirin tablet helps treat their headache. Other patients find that a cool cloth on their forehead, drinking fluids, and resting helps treat their headache.

e. Blisters on hands, feet, and mouth

Blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth are common and severe symptoms of HFMD in adults. Blisters are raised lesions that form when the skin’s surface is injured. During HFMD, the blisters may appear on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet or on the mouth or pharynx. The blisters are painful, which can make it difficult to perform daily tasks such as driving or using a computer. There are several ways to treat blisters during HFMD. Some patients find that applying an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to the blisters helps reduce their pain. As with other symptoms of HFMD, a patient may be able to reduce the duration of their symptoms by avoiding an activity that is causing a particular symptom. For example, if a person is experiencing a rash on their feet, they may be better off avoiding walking on their feet. The best way to treat blisters on the hands and feet during HFMD is to wear gloves or socks while avoiding direct contact with others and washing hands frequently.

f. Rash on palms of hands and soles of feet

HFMD may cause a rash on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. A rash during HFMD is typically a mild bacterial infection and occurs when the virus damages the cells in the skin. A mild rash may be accompanied by mild itching, which can make one scratch, which can lead to an infection and a skin infection. A mild rash during HFMD typically resolves within a week or two. A more severe rash during HFMD is a sign of a bacterial infection and occurs when the virus damages the cells in the skin, which can lead to an infection. A severe rash during HFMD typically lasts for a week or two and may be accompanied by a mild to moderate fever. A serious bacterial infection during HFMD typically requires medical care and may be accompanied by a high fever, muscle aches, and a loss of appetite.

g. Swollen lymph nodes

Swollen lymph nodes are a common but mild symptom of HFMD during the first two weeks of infection. Swollen lymph nodes during HFMP are typically a sign of a bacterial infection in the lymph nodes, which occurs when the virus damages the cells in the lymph nodes, leading to an infection. A swollen lymph node during HFMD typically lasts for a few days, is not accompanied by a fever, and is not painful. There are several ways to treat swollen lymph nodes during HFMD. Some patients find that applying an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to the lymph nodes helps reduce their swelling. Another way to treat swollen lymph nodes during HFMD is to rest and drink plenty of fluids. One may also want to wear a hat or a scarf when outside during daylight hours to help protect against sunburn, which can cause the skin to become damaged and swollen.

h. Muscle aches

Muscle aches are a common but mild symptom of HFMD during the first two weeks of infection. Muscle aches during HFMD typically occur when the muscles in the hands and feet become inflamed, which can be a sign of a bacterial infection. Muscle aches during HFMD typically last for a few days and are not accompanied by a fever. There are several ways to treat muscle aches during HFMD. Some patients find that applying an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to the affected muscles helps reduce their pain. Another way to treat muscle aches during HFMD is to rest and drink plenty of fluids. One may also want to wear a hat or a scarf when outside during daylight hours to help protect against sunburn, which can cause the skin to become damaged and swollen.