Necrotising fasciitis complicating hand, foot and mouth disease

What is it about?

Hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral illness that commonly causes lesions affecting the hands, feet and mouth. Usually, the illness is not serious and symptoms will resolve spontaneously without the need for medical intervention. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of cases of HFMD presenting with unusual clinical features. The rash may be more widespread and the lesions different in nature from those typically seen. There has also been a corresponding increase in the number of serious complications occurring in association with these unusual, or atypical cases. In this case, a one year old boy developed a serious, life threatening infection, known as necrotising fasciitis, sometimes referred to as the 'flesh-eating bug'. It is extremely important that this particular type of infection is diagnosed early. This is the first report of necrotising fasciitis occurring in the context of HFMD, and whilst this is extremely rare, it is important to be aware of the potential for such a serious complication, so that diagnosis can be made promptly.

Featured Image