Hand Foot and Mouth Disease

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease Sores - Picture courtesy of DermNet (https://dermnetnz.org/images/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease-images)

What is it? Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness affecting young children, caused most often by Coxsackievirus or other enteroviruses. It is mild but very contagious. Right now, it appears to be going around again so here is what you need to know!

🧒 Who Gets It?

● Most common in children under age 5

● Can spread easily in childcare settings or schools

● Adults can sometimes catch it too (usually milder)

🤒 Signs & Symptoms:

● Fever (usually low-grade, may be first sign)

● Sore throat, drooling, decreased appetite

● Painful sores inside the mouth or throat

● Rash on hands and feet (palms and soles), sometimes on buttocks or legs

○ Red spots or small blisters

📆 Duration:

● Incubation period: 3–6 days after exposure

● Most symptoms last: 5–7 days

● Child is most contagious: First few days of illness and until no new spots appear and the blisters start to crust over.

🧼 How It Spreads:

● Saliva, nasal secretions, stool, blister fluid

● Coughing, sneezing, diaper changes, shared toys or cups

🛌 Treatment Options:

HFMD is caused by a virus – antibiotics won’t help. Treatment is focused on comfort.

✅ At-Home Care:

● Hydration is key! Offer cold fluids, ice chips, popsicles

● Pain relief for mouth sores:

○ Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for any age or Ibuprofen (Motrin) for those over 6 months of age as directed

○ Avoid spicy, citrus, or salty foods

● Mouth rinses (for older children) with salt water.

● Can also make a 50:50 mix with Maalox and Benadryl. In younger kids this can be painted on the spots before eating and for older kids they can swish and spit.

○ Please only use the benadryl dosing per weight when mixing as the max amount per dose. You can reach out for that dosing from your pediatrician if you need it.

○ Use 3-4 times per day

❌ Avoid:

● Aspirin (risk of Reye's Syndrome)

● Hot drinks or foods that may irritate mouth sores

🩺 When to Call Your Pediatrician:

Call if your child:

● Is not drinking enough or shows signs of dehydration (dry lips, less urine, lethargy)

● Has a fever lasting more than 4-5 days

● Appears very irritable or listless

● Develops neck stiffness, trouble walking, or seizures

● Is under 2 months old and has a fever

🏡 Prevention Tips:

● Wash hands frequently (especially after diaper changes)

● Clean toys and surfaces regularly

● Avoid close contact with sick individuals

● Keep child home until:

○ Fever is gone

○ Blisters are dry or healing

○ Eating and drinking comfortably