Child health · UKMLA & AKT

Hand, foot and mouth disease

A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise hand, foot and mouth disease — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.

Key high-yield points

  • Coxsackievirus A16 (CA16) - most common cause in the UK; classic mild HFMD
  • Coxsackievirus A6 (CA6) - atypical HFMD; larger bullae, more extensive rash, nail shedding (onychomadesis), more common in adults
  • Enterovirus 71 (EV71) - less common in UK; associated with neurological complications (encephalitis, viral meningitis); epidemics in East/Southeast Asia
  • Transmission: faecal-oral, droplet, or direct contact with vesicular fluid; incubation 3-6 days; faecal shedding continues weeks after recovery

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