HFMD
Medical abbreviation · Pediatric & Neonatal
| Stands for | Hand, foot and mouth disease |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
HFMD stands for Hand, foot and mouth disease, a pediatric & neonatal abbreviation.
Common contagious viral illness of children under five, usually caused by coxsackievirus A16 or enterovirus 71, with fever, painful mouth sores and a rash on the palms, soles and often buttocks. It usually resolves in 7–10 days.
Example: HFMD in daycare cluster; oral ulcers and palmar vesicles, encourage fluids, return when fever free.
Usage notes
It is unrelated to foot-and-mouth disease of cattle and other livestock. A coxsackievirus A6 strain has caused more widespread and adult cases since about 2008. Fingernails and toenails sometimes shed a few weeks later (onychomadesis). Hand washing is the main prevention.
Related abbreviations
More pediatric & neonatal abbreviations
- FASD – Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
- FTT – Failure to thrive
- GDD – Global developmental delay
- GER – Gastroesophageal reflux (infant)
- HepA – Hepatitis A vaccine
- HepB – Hepatitis B vaccine
- Hib – Haemophilus influenzae type b (vaccine)
- HSP – Henoch-Schönlein purpura
- IPV – Inactivated poliovirus vaccine
- KD – Kawasaki disease
- LBW – Low birth weight
- MAS – Meconium aspiration syndrome
See all 51 pediatric & neonatal abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.