Supportive care and discontinuation of empiric antibiotics resulted in complete clinical resolution of atypical hand, foot, and mouth disease in an immunocompetent adult.
Case Report (n=1)
HFMD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of vesiculopapular eruptions in adults, particularly with palm and sole involvement, to avoid unnecessary antimicrobial exposure.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness of childhood but is increasingly recognized in adults with often atypical and severe presentations. We report a case of HFMD in an immunocompetent man in his sixties who presented with a generalized, tender vesiculopapular eruption involving the groin, trunk, extremities, palms, and soles. An extensive infectious evaluation was initially pursued, and empiric broad-spectrum antimicrobials were administered. Dermatology consultation led to the diagnosis of HFMD, and antibiotics were discontinued with subsequent clinical improvement. This case highlights the importance of considering HFMD in the differential diagnosis of vesiculopapular eruptions in adults, particularly when the palms and soles are involved, to avoid unnecessary antimicrobial exposure and invasive testing.
Carpenter et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) (n=1). Supportive care (intravenous fluids, acetaminophen, and gabapentin) was evaluated on Clinical resolution of cutaneous lesions and systemic symptoms. Supportive care and discontinuation of empiric antibiotics resulted in complete clinical resolution of atypical hand, foot, and mouth disease in an immunocompetent adult.