Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common illness in young children, and we’re seeing a lot of it in the clinic. It tends to get passed around in daycares and at school.
Most often seen in children under five years of age (though it can occur at any age), the coxsackievirus A16 typically causes this highly contagious illness. If the name didn’t give it away, hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) presents with a blister-like, painful rash on the hands, feet, and, you guessed it, mouth. That said, the virus can appear anywhere, including the torso, arms, genitals, and buttocks.
What are the symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
Within 3 to 6 days of infection, flu-like symptoms typically appear. These symptoms often include mild fever, sore throat, stomach ache, and a general loss of appetite. Small children may appear fussy. After a couple of days, the rash appears on the hands, soles of feet, or elsewhere on the body. Sores in and around the mouth will likely appear, initially as pink spots or bumps that eventually turn into blisters.
How is hand, foot, and mouth disease diagnosed and treated?
HFMD is typically diagnosed with a visit to the pediatrician. Since a virus causes it, there is no treatment other than managing the symptoms, which usually resolve on their own in about ten days. It can take longer for children under two to clear the virus. It is best to provide your child with pain-relieving or fever-reducing medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It is essential to keep your child hydrated. Ice pops can provide relief for mouth sores, while also providing important hydration. We like Pedia Pops, which are electrolyte replacements in tubes that you store in the freezer, like any ice pop. (Parenting tip: Pedia Pops are great to keep on hand year-round for when illnesses happen. Hydration can be fun!)
Is HFMD contagious?
HFMD is highly contagious, especially during the first few days of illness, before the rash appears. Your child should remain home while they are sick. They generally are no longer contagious after the blisters dry up, which typically takes about 10 days. HFMD can be spread through water droplets (coughs, sneezes), direct contact with blisters, kissing or hugging someone with the virus, sharing food, towels, or bathing with someone who has the virus. It can also be spread by sharing toys, so be sure to disinfect them between uses.
Can you get HFMD more than once?
Multiple viruses can cause the illness. Because of this, it is possible to get it more than once in a lifetime. Children can pass it on to older siblings and even adults.
If you suspect your child may have HFMD, please call our office or book an appointment online so we can help support you in managing their symptoms.