Recognising Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease (HFMD) Recovery and Herpangina in Singapore: What Parents and Adults Need to Know
- Oaklife Family Clinic
- Apr 10, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 7
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) and herpangina are common viral infections in Singapore. While these illnesses are often associated with young children, HFMD in adults is increasingly recognised, particularly among parents, caregivers, educators, and healthcare workers.
Many adults in Singapore are unsure how HFMD presents later in life, how long recovery takes, whether topical gels are effective, and how to tell HFMD apart from similar infections such as herpangina. This article explains HFMD recovery milestones, symptom relief options, adult complications, and key differences between HFMD and herpangina, with local context.
HFMD and Herpangina in Adults: Why It Is Not Just a Childhood Illness
Although HFMD and herpangina are commonly thought of as childhood infections, adults can and do get infected, most often through close contact with children at home, in childcare settings, or in schools. Parents and caregivers are particularly at risk, especially during outbreak periods in Singapore.
Adult cases may be overlooked because symptoms can resemble flu or a sore throat at first. However, some adults experience high fever, significant fatigue, and very painful mouth ulcers, which can interfere with eating, speaking, and daily activities. Local reporting has highlighted how adults caring for infected children may only realise they have caught herpangina or HFMD several days into the illness, once mouth ulcers or rashes appear.
While adult infections are generally milder than those seen in young children, they are not always mild and can still be physically draining. In Singapore, more than 21,000 HFMD cases were reported in 2023, with adults making up a smaller but increasingly recognised proportion, particularly within household clusters.
What is Herpangina and How is it Different from HFMD?
Herpangina is a viral illness caused by the same group of viruses (enteroviruses) that cause HFMD. While they share similarities, herpangina mainly presents with painful ulcers at the back of the throat and roof of the mouth, unlike HFMD which typically involves rashes and blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth.
Both HFMD and herpangina are caused by enteroviruses — mainly coxsackievirus. They share overlapping symptoms, but there are a few distinguishing signs:
Symptom | HFMD | Herpangina |
Fever | Common | Sudden and high |
Mouth Sores | Painful ulcers + skin rash on hands, feet, buttocks | Painful ulcers at back of throat only |
Rash | Yes, usually red spots or blisters on palms, soles | No external rash |
Age group | Infants, toddlers, preschoolers; adults possible | Mostly children under 10 |
For a detailed overview of HFMD in both children and adults, check out our essential guide to HFMD. In Singapore’s warm, humid climate, both infections occur year-round and spread easily through saliva, respiratory secretions, and faecal contamination, especially in households and childcare settings.
HFMD in Adults: What to Expect
Although HFMD is generally milder in adults, symptoms can be more painful and disruptive, particularly mouth ulcers and fatigue. Adults may also mistake HFMD for flu, tonsillitis, or allergic rashes, delaying diagnosis.
Common Adult HFMD Symptoms
Fever and sore throat
Painful mouth ulcers affecting eating and speaking
Red spots or blisters on palms and soles
Fatigue, body aches, headache
In Singapore, adult HFMD cases are increasingly reported within family clusters. In 2023, more than 21,000 HFMD cases were recorded nationwide, with adults forming a small but growing proportion.
How to Know HFMD Is Healing (Adults and Children)
Many parents and adults in Singapore are unsure how to tell if HFMD is healing, how to relieve symptoms with gels or creams, or how to tell it apart from similar infections like herpangina.
Recovery from HFMD usually takes 7–10 days. Here are signs that healing has begun:
Fever subsides: Your child or you no longer have a high temperature
Ulcers scab over or disappear: Mouth pain eases, allowing normal eating
Rashes dry and peel: Blisters stop forming and the skin begins to flake
Energy returns: Fatigue lifts and mood improves
Appetite improves: Normal feeding patterns resume
⚠️ Reminder: Even after visible symptoms fade, the virus can still be present in stools for weeks. Practise strict hygiene for at least 2–3 weeks post-recovery. For more on caring for children post-HFMD, read our article on navigating HFMD recovery and prevention.
HFMD Recovery Timeline
Most children and adults recover from HFMD within 7 to 10 days. Here are signs that HFMD is healing:
Fever subsides: Usually within 3–5 days.
Ulcers and rashes dry up: Mouth sores become less painful, and blisters on the hands and feet crust over and flake.
Energy returns: Appetite improves and general mood becomes better.
Parents and caregivers should continue to monitor symptoms and ensure proper hydration and rest during recovery.
When Adults With HFMD Should See a Doctor
Seek medical attention promptly if you experience:
Fever lasting more than 3 days
Severe pain when swallowing or reduced fluid intake
Signs of dehydration
Worsening or infected skin lesions
Chest pain, confusion, unusual lethargy, or shortness of breath
Rare but Serious Adult Complications
Although uncommon, adult HFMD has been associated with complications such as myopericarditis, a viral-related inflammation of the heart muscle and lining. Early medical assessment is important when symptoms are severe or atypical.
One case involved a 35-year-old man who experienced fever, sore throat, headache behind the eyes, and joint pain. Over time, he developed painful mouth ulcers, a rash on his hands and feet, and chest discomfort. Eventually, he was diagnosed with myopericarditis, a heart condition linked to the virus.
Fortunately, his condition improved with medical care, but the case highlights how HFMD in adults can mimic other serious conditions and should not be ignored.
“While HFMD in adults tends to be milder than in children, persistent symptoms or chest discomfort should never be ignored,” says Dr Daniel Lim, Senior Family Physician at Oaklife Family Clinic.
Symptom Relief for HFMD in Adults
Mouth Ulcer Relief
Topical oral gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine may help, only after medical advice
Avoid spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods
Choose soft, cool foods during recovery
Hydration Support
Sip cool water frequently
Ice chips may reduce oral discomfort
Oral rehydration solutions if intake is reduced
Preventing Spread at Home and Work
Avoid close contact until fever resolves and blisters dry
Do not share utensils, towels, or cups
Wash hands thoroughly after toileting and before meals
Clean commonly touched surfaces daily
Whether you're recovering from HFMD as an adult or caring for a child post-illness, knowing the healing signs, using appropriate relief measures, and practising prevention can make a big difference. Stay informed, stay clean, and seek help when needed.
FAQs: HFMD and Herpangina in Singapore
Q. Is HFMD contagious in adults?
A. Yes. Adults can spread HFMD through saliva, respiratory droplets, and faecal contact, even if symptoms are mild.
Q. Can adults get HFMD more than once?
Yes. Different viral strains exist, so repeat infections are possible.
Q. Are HFMD gels safe for children?
Only child-safe formulations should be used, and only on medical advice.
Q. How do I tell HFMD from herpangina?
A. HFMD usually includes rashes or blisters on the hands and feet. Herpangina mainly affects the throat without skin involvement. A doctor can confirm the diagnosis.
Q. Should adults isolate if they have HFMD?
A. Yes. Avoid close contact until fever resolves and blisters have dried to reduce transmission.
Need Medical Advice or Assessment?
Oaklife Family Clinic provides family-centred care for HFMD, herpangina, and other viral illnesses. We are a CHAS-approved clinic. Book an appointment for assessment, recovery guidance, or work clearance support.
