Overview

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is a common viral illness that mainly affects infants and young children. It typically causes sores in the mouth and a rash or blisters on the hands and feet.

It's caused by a group of viruses, most often the Coxsackievirus. HFMD is most common in children younger than 5 years old, but older children and adults can sometimes get it too, especially if they haven't been exposed to that particular virus before. It is very contagious and can spread quickly in places like daycare centers and schools. While HFMD is usually mild, the mouth sores can be painful, making it uncomfortable for your child to eat or drink, which can be a bit distressing for everyone.

Symptoms

You might notice a few different things if your child has HFMD. Symptoms usually appear 3 to 6 days after exposure to the virus.

• Fever (often the first sign you'll notice)
• Sore throat
• Painful, red, blister-like sores in the mouth (these can be on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks)
• A skin rash with flat or raised red spots, sometimes with blisters, on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
• The rash may also appear on the knees, elbows, buttocks, or genital area (it doesn't always stick to just hands, feet, and mouth!).
• Loss of appetite (those mouth sores can make eating no fun at all)
• Irritability or fussiness in infants and toddlers
• A general feeling of being unwell or tired (malaise)

Diagnosis

Figuring out if it's HFMD is usually straightforward for a healthcare professional.

A doctor can typically diagnose Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease by looking at the appearance of the mouth sores and the rash on the hands and feet. They'll also consider your child's age and other symptoms. In most cases, special lab tests are not needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Management & Treatment

Seeing your child uncomfortable is never easy, but the good news is that Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is typically a mild illness that your child's body will fight off on its own. There isn't a specific medicine to cure the virus, so our main goal is to provide comfort and support while it runs its course.

Most cases of HFMD resolve within 7 to 10 days without any special medical intervention. The focus is entirely on managing the symptoms to keep your little one as comfortable as possible.

Home Care & Symptom Relief

You are the expert in comforting your child, and there's a lot you can do at home to ease their discomfort.

• Pain and Fever: For fever and pain from the mouth sores or skin blisters, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers. Acetaminophen (like Tylenol) or ibuprofen (like Advil or Motrin) are good options. Important: Never give aspirin to children, as it can cause a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome.
• Prevent Dehydration: The sores in the mouth can make swallowing painful, which might make your child reluctant to eat or drink. Dehydration is the most common complication to watch for.
  • Offer plenty of cool liquids. Cold milk, ice water, or ice pops can be soothing for a sore throat.
  • Avoid acidic drinks like citrus juice or soda, which can sting the sores.
  • Offer soft foods that don't require much chewing, such as yogurt, applesauce, or mashed potatoes.
• Soothe Mouth Sores: Your doctor or pharmacist might recommend a topical oral anesthetic or a special mouthwash to help numb the pain from the mouth sores before eating or drinking. Please consult with a healthcare professional before using these products in young children.

When Are Prescription Treatments Needed?

For a typical case of HFMD, prescription medications are not necessary. Because it's a virus, antibiotics won't work. Treatment is all about supportive care to help your child feel better as their body fights the infection.

You can expect your child to start feeling better within a week or so. If the fever, rash, or mouth sores seem to be getting worse, or if your child is not improving, it's always best to check in with your healthcare provider.

A gentle reminder: Always consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.

Duration & Outlook

The good news is that HFMD is usually a short-lived illness.

Typically, the illness lasts about 7 to 10 days from start to finish. It's considered an acute condition, meaning it comes on fairly quickly but doesn't last a long time. Most children and adults recover completely without any lasting problems.

However, it's important to watch for any warning signs of complications, which are rare but can occur. These include signs of dehydration (like a very dry mouth, no tears when crying, or significantly fewer wet diapers), a very high fever that doesn't come down, a stiff neck, unusual sleepiness, or confusion. If you notice any of these, please seek medical attention promptly.

Prevention

Preventing the spread of HFMD largely comes down to good hygiene practices.

• Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food. This is so important!
• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and soiled items, including toys.
• Try to avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, or sharing eating utensils, cups, or towels with people who have HFMD.
• Teach children (and remind adults!) to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing.

Causes & Triggers

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is caused by viruses from the Enterovirus family, most commonly Coxsackievirus A16.

The virus spreads easily from person to person through direct contact with an infected person's:

• Nasal secretions or throat discharge (from coughing or sneezing)
• Saliva or drool
• Fluid from the blisters
• Stool (feces)
• Respiratory droplets that are spread into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Infants and children under 5 years of age are most likely to develop HFMD because their bodies haven't yet built up immunity to the many viruses that can cause it. Outbreaks are more common in childcare settings due to frequent diaper changes and because little ones often put their hands in their mouths.

When to see a doctor

While HFMD is often mild, there are times when it's best to check in with a doctor.

You should see a doctor if:

• Your child is not drinking enough fluids and shows signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, sunken eyes, no tears, fewer wet diapers or less urination than usual).
• The mouth sores or sore throat are so painful that your child is refusing to eat or drink anything.
• Symptoms seem to be getting worse or don't show any improvement after a few days.
• The fever is very high or lasts for more than 3 days.
• Your child has a weakened immune system (due to illness or medication).
• You notice any of the warning signs for complications mentioned earlier, such as a stiff neck, severe headache, or changes in alertness.
• You're simply unsure or worried – it's always okay to seek medical advice for peace of mind.

A pediatrician or family doctor can usually manage HFMD. It's not typically something that requires a dermatologist, but your primary doctor will guide you if they feel a specialist opinion is needed for any reason.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• Q: Can my child get Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease more than once? A: Yes, unfortunately, they can. HFMD is caused by several different viruses. Infection with one virus provides immunity to that specific virus, but not to others. So, it's possible to get HFMD again from a different virus in the same group.
• Q: Is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease the same as foot-and-mouth disease in animals? A: No, they are completely different. Foot-and-mouth disease (also known as hoof-and-mouth disease) affects cattle, sheep, and pigs and is caused by a different virus. Humans do not get the animal disease, and animals do not get the human disease.
• Q: How long is someone with HFMD contagious? A: Individuals with HFMD are usually most contagious during the first week of their illness. However, the virus can sometimes remain in their stool for weeks after symptoms have gone away, so continuing good handwashing practices is crucial.
• Q: My child only has sores in their mouth, but no rash on their hands or feet. Could it still be HFMD? A: It's possible. Sometimes the illness can present with only mouth sores (a condition called herpangina, often caused by the same viruses) or only the skin rash. It's always best to have a doctor evaluate the symptoms for an accurate diagnosis.
• Q: Can adults get Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease? A: Yes, adults can get HFMD, though it's less common than in young children. Symptoms in adults are usually similar to those in children but can sometimes be more severe.