Work

Coxsackievirus A16 caused hand-foot-mouth disease in a young male: A case report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Hand–foot–and–mouth disease (HFMD) is typically a pediatric illness, yet adults may be affected and overlooked. We report an immunocompetent 24-year-old man with a 3-day prodrome of fever, myalgia, sore throat, and headache, followed by intensely pruritic palmoplantar lesions with sparse oral disease. Examination revealed numerous 2–4 mm painless erythematous macules and papules on the palms, fewer on the soles and peri-oral skin, and a single tender soft-palate ulcer. Differential diagnoses included herpes simplex, varicella zoster, erythema multiforme, secondary syphilis, drug eruption, and scabies. Stool polymerase chain reaction confirmed Coxsackievirus A16. Supportive care consisted of antihistamines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, topical calamine–zinc oxide, and oral hyaluronic acid gel. Pruritus resolved by day 2; mucocutaneous lesions regressed without complications and were nearly resolved with palmar desquamation by day 9. This case highlights an adult, pruritus-predominant, minimally vesicular phenotype with scant oral involvement and no childcare exposure. Clinicians should consider HFMD in adults with palmoplantar eruptions and emphasize symptomatic management and hygiene counseling to limit transmission.

Source: Journal of Medicine Surgery and Public Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100219

Authors: Majd Oweidat, Marwan Alkum, Diaa Qaisiya, Majd Nemer Zawahrah, Bisan Hamza Ragabi, Safwat Zidat

Institutions: Hebron University, Ahli Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Viral Infections and Immunology Research

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,900