Ann Dermatol.  2010 May;22(2):216-218. 10.5021/ad.2010.22.2.216.

A Case of Hand-foot-mouth Disease in an Immunocompetent Adult

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. juhee@yuhs.ac

Abstract

Hand-foot-mouth (HFM) disease is primarily a disease of children, although it can be seen in immunocompromised adults. We describe a case of HFM disease in a 35-year-old immunocompetent male. He presented with multiple, 1~2 mm sized, erythematous vesicular papules on both hands and feet. Histopathological findings of a skin biopsy showed superficial perivascular lymphocytic infiltration, focal keratinocyte necrosis, and reticular degeneration. Because delayed diagnosis can cause spread of the disease to children, dermatologists should be aware that HFM disease can occur in adults with intact immune systems.

Keyword

Hand-foot-mouth disease; Immunocompetent adult

MeSH Terms

Adult
Biopsy
Child
Delayed Diagnosis
Foot
Hand
Humans
Immune System
Keratinocytes
Male
Necrosis
Skin

Figure

  • Fig. 1 (A) Multiple erythematous papules and vesicles are seen on the fourth finger of the left hand. (B) Multiple erythematous papules and vesicles on the dorsum of the feet.

  • Fig. 2 Superficial perivenular and junctional lymphocytic infiltration, epidermal necrosis associated with foci of necrotic keratinocytes, and reticular degeneration of epidermal cells (H&E, ×100).


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