A viral disease and common with infants and young children, 'Hand Foot and Mouth Disease'  can also affect adults, especially those that are immunocompromised.  It is spread through contact with mucus, saliva or feces. Nursery schools and daycare facilities are common locations for breakouts. These breakouts tend to take place during the Spring and Fall.  The condition typically lasts for 3-7 days, and the condition usually goes away by itself, with only pain or fever relievers needed to help the symptoms.

From a podiatric standpoint, the most important component of the disease is the rash that can develop on the feet, particularly the bottoms.  Blisters will present with the rash, and they look like small fluid filled bubbles along the bottom of the feet.  There may be redness and itching along with the blisters.  Additionally, there can be pain and localized swelling of the skin on the bottom of the feet.   Other conditions such as athlete's foot or dermatitis must be ruled out, as these can present in a similar fashion.  What makes Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease different from these conditions is that there are other things that typically present with the foot rash.  These include the following:  rash with blisters of the hands, mouth, and lips; fever; fatigue; irritability; and headaches. 

This is a contagious disease which can still be passed from person to person even after the symptoms are gone.  Hand washing and keeping sick children (or adults) home from school (or work) are good ways to prevent this disease.

Dr. Bender is a foot and ankle specialist at Advanced Physical Medicine, and she treats all conditions of the foot and ankle.  Dr. Bender  has podiatry clinics at the Oak Park and Chicago (63rd Street) locations.  Dr. Bender is an instructor of podiatry at William Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University.  Call 708-763-0580 (Oak Park) or 773-776-3166 (Chicago) for your appointment today.