Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD): Symptoms & Causes

Overview

What is hand, foot and mouth disease?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a contagious illness caused by different viruses. It is common in infants and children younger than five years old, but older children and adults can also get it. This illness is characterized by fever, sores in the mouth, and a rash with blisters on hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks and legs.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the stages of hand, foot and mouth disease?

HFMD starts with a mild fever, poor appetite, malaise, and often a sore throat. One or two days after the fever begins, painful sores can develop in the mouth. A skin rash with red spots, and sometimes with blisters, may appear over 1 to 2 days on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and possibly the buttocks.

What causes hand, foot and mouth disease?

The disease is caused by a number of enteroviruses, most commonly the Coxsackie virus A16. Enterovirus 71 has also been associated with hand, foot, and mouth disease and its complications.

Is hand, foot and mouth disease contagious?

Yes, the disease is highly contagious. It can spread from an infected person to others through close personal contact, the air (through coughing or sneezing), contact with feces, and touching objects or surfaces that have the virus on them.

How is hand, foot and mouth disease spread?

The virus can spread to others a few days before symptoms are visible, and it remains contagious until the blisters have become crusty and started to peel away. People can sometimes be contagious for weeks after symptoms have subsided.

What are the risk factors for this condition?

Factors that might increase the risk of getting HFMD include age (younger children are more susceptible), time of the year (it’s more common during summer and fall), and lack of immune protection against the viruses that cause HFMD.

What are the complications of this condition?

Complications are rare but can include viral meningitis, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and a polio-like paralysis. Dehydration is also a concern due to painful swallowing.

How does hand, foot and mouth disease affect pregnancy?

While HFMD is not typically severe for pregnant women, there is a small risk that the infection can cause complications, such as premature labor or delivery.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is hand, foot and mouth disease diagnosed?

HFMD is generally diagnosed based on physical examination, looking at the signs and symptoms. In some cases, stool or throat swab samples may be taken to identify the virus by laboratory testing.

Management and Treatment

How is hand, foot and mouth disease treated?

There is no specific treatment for HFMD. Symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medications for pain and fever, mouthwashes or sprays to numb pain, and plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. It’s also recommended to rest and maintain good personal hygiene.

Prevention

Can hand, foot and mouth disease be prevented?

Preventative measures include practicing good hand hygiene, disinfecting surfaces and objects, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and teaching children about the importance of cleanliness.

Outlook / Prognosis

What should I expect if my child gets hand, foot and mouth disease?

Most children recover without medical treatment in 7 to 10 days. It’s essential to keep them comfortable and well-hydrated. Monitor for signs of dehydration and complications and contact a healthcare provider if concerns arise.

• How long does hand, foot and mouth disease last?
• When can my child go back to school?

Your child can return to school once fever subsides and they feel well enough to participate in activities, typically within a week. However, it’s crucial to note they might still be contagious even after symptoms resolve.

Living With

How do I take care of my child if they have hand, foot and mouth disease?

Ensure your child gets plenty of rest, stays hydrated, and avoids salty or spicy foods that could irritate mouth sores. Regular hand washing and maintaining a clean environment can help prevent the spread of the virus.

• What can/can’t my child eat/drink with this condition?

Offer soft, bland foods and cold beverages to soothe sore throats and ease swallowing. Avoid acidic, spicy, or hard foods that could irritate sores.

• When should my child see their healthcare provider?

If symptoms worsen or if you have concerns about dehydration or secondary infections, seek medical advice.

• What questions should I ask my child’s healthcare provider?

Ask about pain management, signs of complications to watch for, hydration tips, and when it’s safe for your child to return to school or daycare.

Additional Common Questions

• Can adults get hand, foot and mouth disease?

Yes, adults can get HFMD, though it’s less common. Symptoms might be milder compared to children.

• Is hand, foot and mouth disease the same as foot-and-mouth disease?

No, foot-and-mouth disease is a completely different ailment that affects livestock and is not transmitted to humans.

• Hand, foot and mouth disease vs. monkeypox — what’s the difference?

While both can cause rash and blisters, monkeypox is a rare viral disease that produces a rash that progresses through several stages, including scabs, and is more severe with systemic symptoms. HFMD is generally mild and limited to sores and rash.

• Hand, foot and mouth disease vs. herpangina — what’s the difference?

Herpangina is also caused by enteroviruses and shares symptoms like fever and sore throat with HFMD, but herpangina sores typically occur at the back of the mouth only, while HFMD also affects hands, feet, and sometimes other areas.