Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral infection that usually affects babies and children. HFMD can lead to fever, a blistering rash on the hands and feet, mouth sores, sore throat, and a poor appetite.
HFMD is contagious and often causes illness within 3 to 7 days after exposure to an infected person. Proper handwashing, avoiding close contact, and cleaning contaminated surfaces and items can help reduce the spread of the disease.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses. The enteroviruses called coxsackie virus A16 and enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) are the most common causes of HFMD. However, in some cases, other enteroviruses can also cause HFMD.
Most people who develop the illness recover in 7 to 10 days with minimal or no medical intervention. There is no specific treatment for HFMD. Medication may be given for relief from symptoms such as fever and aches. Symptoms may be relieved by using acetaminophen* or other fever reducers.
Children may not want to eat or drink because they find it difficult to swallow. Drinking enough fluids is vital to prevent dehydration. Children might refuse juices since the acidity can cause irritation of the blisters. Salty foods may also cause irritation. Ice cream, cold milk, or yogurt (including frozen yogurt) can provide nutrition and fluids as they are easier to swallow and do not irritate the blisters.
It is important that children do not take acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), or any medications containing salicylates, to relieve symptoms from HFMD. This increases their risk of developing a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome that affects the brain and liver. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about this, as many over-the-counter fever or pain medications contain salicylates.
A saltwater rinse may help soothe the mouth and throat. To make this mouth rinse, mix ½ tsp (2.5 mL) of salt with one cup (250 mL) of warm water. It is important to keep up with oral hygiene using a soft toothbrush.
The blisters generally heal by themselves. Avoid popping the blisters. Also, contact with the fluid from the blisters increase the chance of infection for those around you. It is best to leave the blisters alone.
If your child has any of the symptoms below, contact your doctor immediately.
Although the infection is not preventable, maintaining good hygiene can minimize the risk of infection. Some things you can do include:
Most agree it is better to isolate those with weeping lesions and blisters, and children who tend to drool should also be kept away from healthy children.
In general, all children with viral infections should not attend school or daycare until there has been no fever for 24 hours. This generally means that the infection is no longer actively multiplying in the body and infectiousness of secretions is therefore minimal.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2026. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Hand-Foot-and-Mouth-Disease
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