• 1 week ago

What Parents Should Know About Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Children

What Is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

HFMD is a contagious illness caused most commonly by Coxsackie A16 or Enterovirus 71. It primarily affects children under age 10, especially those in crowded environments like daycare centers and preschools.

It most commonly affects children between 3 months and 6 years old.

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptom

Description

Fever

Often the first sign (usually 38–39°C / 100–102°F)

Mouth sores

Painful ulcers inside the cheeks, tongue, or roof of mouth

Rash on hands and feet

Flat or raised red spots, sometimes fluid-filled

Reduced appetite

Due to painful swallowing

Irritability and sleep problems

Related to mouth pain and fever

Other possible signs

Runny nose, mild cough, or stomach pain

The rash is usually not itchy and heals without scarring in a few days.

How Is It Spread?

  • Saliva, nasal discharge, stool, and blister fluid
  • Sharing toys, utensils, towels
  • Contagious 1–2 days before symptoms and for weeks after symptoms improve

Poor handwashing, close contact, and contaminated surfaces make spread easier.

Diagnosis and Differentiation

  • Diagnosis is usually clinical—no lab test needed
  • Classic sign: oral ulcers + rash on hands and feet

May be confused with:

  • Chickenpox (rash is itchy and widespread)
  • Herpangina (oral ulcers but no rash)
  • Aphthous stomatitis (only mouth sores, no fever or rash)

Treatment and Home Care

There is no specific medication for HFMD. Care focuses on relieving symptoms:

1. Fever and Pain Relief

  • Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen under doctor guidance
  • Never give aspirin to children

2. Mouth Care

  • Offer cold fluids, yogurt, or ice cream to ease mouth pain
  • Avoid acidic, salty, or spicy foods
  • Your doctor may recommend topical oral gels for severe discomfort

3. Hygiene and Isolation

  • Keep child home from school or daycare until fever subsides and mouth sores begin to heal
  • Wash hands frequently
  • Disinfect commonly used surfaces and toys

Most children recover within 7–10 days without complications.

When to Call a Doctor

  • Child refuses all fluids
  • Reduced urination or signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes)
  • Fever lasts more than 3 days or exceeds 39°C (102.2°F)
  • Rash spreads quickly or shows signs of infection
  • Neurological symptoms (confusion, drowsiness, seizures)

Enterovirus 71 may rarely lead to serious complications like meningitis or myocarditis—seek prompt care if general condition worsens.