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Original poster

Hand foot and mouth in adults

10 replies

Breadwidow · 20/08/2015 19:57

I think I have this - had fever, felt awful now feel less awful but mouth / throat full of ulcers and my feet and hands are covered with the unbearably itchy rash. The GP was not much help and couldn't really be sure it was HFMD as its so unusual in adults. In any case it's a virus so no effective drug cure. TMI I have just been to the loo and it really stung and sure enough I have the ulcer type things on my labia too! Just wondered if anyone else has experienced this horrible virus as an adult and if they got ulcers on genitals too? Also any tips to calm the incessant itching on hands a foot? And how long did it last? I started feeling unwell on Monday eve but had rash since weds morning and am thoroughly fed up! Thanks

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andadietcoke · 20/08/2015 20:01

DH caught it off our DTs and really suffered with it. The GP suggested difflam spray (over the counter) and he took soluble solpadeine. He wasn't too itchy though. Feel better soon.

Original poster
Breadwidow · 20/08/2015 20:09

Thanks, will send DH to pharmacy for the spay I think. Unfortunately solpadine prob out as am breastfeeding - but I will just do a quick google as codeine would be good right now!!

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574ejones · 21/08/2015 19:48

I had HFM as an adult and the rash spread up to my elbows and knees and was really painful rather than itchy. Not medically trained, but anti histamine might help with an itchy rash.

Original poster
Breadwidow · 21/08/2015 20:09

Thanks - the doc advised the same & have taken them but they don't seem to make much difference. The rash is more painful than itchy now though. How long did it last? I don't feel any better really after 4 days

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bodenbiscuit · 21/08/2015 20:11

Poor you - I really sympathise. I caught it off my dd when she was at nursery. It is horrid but it does go away by itself.

bodenbiscuit · 21/08/2015 20:12

Mine lasted about a week I think.

574ejones · 21/08/2015 21:24

Sorry, but mine was 7-10 days. Hope you will be over the worst soon.

SusanHollander · 21/08/2015 21:35

Myself and DH both had it 18 months ago caught from our DCs who has a very mild dose and it was awful, we felt truly horrendous. No cure and goes away on its own. I was so rough I shipped the DCs to my sister and went to bed which I've never done before or since.

pippitysqueakity · 21/08/2015 21:38

I had this and the achy joints I got with it lasted a good while. The ulcers not so long. It's miserable, wishing you a speedy recovery.

Original poster
Breadwidow · 22/08/2015 21:33

Thanks all - am definitely over the worse. Rash is now red and unsightly rather than itchy and blisters have mainly gone. I slept most of Friday and a lot of today and I think that's helped, I felt so wiped out. Just feeling a bit sorry for myself that I missed out on a lovely weekend visiting a friend! Think perhaps there needs a bit more awareness of this bug amongst gps, I went to mine just in the vague hope they'd be able to prescribe a decent cream for the itch who freaked out rather - thought I must have a tropical disease before I said I think it's hand, foot and mouth

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