What Is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
8. Complications
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is not usually dangerous, but that does not mean to say that complications cannot arise. One of these is caused by the painful sores in the patient’s mouth. This can make them reluctant to eat and drink due to the pain. This can, in turn, lead to malnutrition and dehydration.
In rare cases, the disease can go on to cause life-threatening complications. These include encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain, and viral meningitis which is the inflammation of a membrane that helps protect the brain and spinal column. You should still get medical assistance as soon as possible if these conditions are suspected.
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