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Hand, foot and mouth disease — MRCPCH FOP MCQ

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EasyInfectious diseasesHand, foot and mouth diseaseMRCPCH FOP

A 2-year-old girl has low-grade fever, mouth ulcers and vesicles on the palms and soles. She is drinking adequately and examination shows no dehydration. What would you advise the parents?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Supportive care with fluids, analgesia and return advice

Hand, foot and mouth disease is usually self-limiting, so supportive care and hydration advice are appropriate. Aciclovir is not used for typical enteroviral hand, foot and mouth disease. Prolonged exclusion from nursery until every lesion resolves is not generally required if the child is well. The pearl is that dehydration from painful mouth ulcers is the main practical risk.

Reference: NICE CKS Hand foot and mouth disease; UKHSA guidance