Intermediate
Technical
IVT
hand, foot, and mouth disease
Common viral infection causing vesicular lesions on hands, feet, and mouth, typically caused by coxsackievirus.
Full Definition
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness in children characterized by fever and vesicular eruptions on the hands, feet, and oral cavity. Most cases are caused by coxsackievirus A16 or enterovirus 71. The condition typically presents with fever, followed by painful mouth sores and a rash on the hands and feet. While generally mild and self-limiting, some strains (particularly EV71) can cause serious complications including neurological manifestations.
Usage
Usage note: Use commas between each anatomical location. Abbreviate as HFMD only after first use.
In Context
- "The diagnosis of hand, foot, and mouth disease was confirmed by the characteristic distribution of vesicles." — clinical note
- "Note the comma placement in 'hand, foot, and mouth disease' when writing patient summaries." — editorial guideline
Also known as
HFMD
coxsackievirus infection
Don't confuse with
herpangina
aphthous stomatitis
herpetic gingivostomatitis