Recurrent Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in a Saudi Girl

Abstract

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral illness that predominantly affects infants and children, causing blisters and sores on the hands, feet, and mouth. Recurrence is rare, but a case in a six-year-old girl in Saudi Arabia was reported. A six-year-old girl presented with a rash on her palms and soles, which was preceded by a mild sore throat and low-grade fever. She had been in contact with her two-year-old sister, who had similar symptoms but a different rash pattern. During clinical examination, multiple erythematous deep-seated vesicles and papules were noted on the patient's palms and soles, with no involvement of mucous membranes or nails. The diagnosis of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) was made based on the characteristic clinical presentation, and the rash resolved within seven days without treatment or complications. The patient had experienced a similar presentation six months ago, which was also diagnosed as HFMD, and the rash had resolved spontaneously within one week. In her second episode, the rash was less severe, with milder prodromal symptoms. In both episodes, the lesions were asymptomatic and had no mucosal involvement. The patient had experienced onychomadesis after her first episode, but no nail abnormalities were seen after her second episode. Although HFMD is rare to recur in children, outbreaks can lead to another episode. HFMD prevalence is underestimated in Saudi Arabia due to missed mild cases. Pediatricians and dermatologists should be aware of HFMD incidence and its complications, as early detection is vital in preventing outbreaks and transmission.

Keywords: children; hand-foot-mouth disease; pediatric dermatology; rash; recurrence; saudi arabia; viral illness.

Figure 1. The first episode showed multiple erythematous deep-seated vesicles and papules distributed over palms and soles

Figure 2. The recurrent episode showed a less severe rash following the same distribution of the previous episode