A common viral infection, hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) mostly affects young children. It causes blisters and sores in the mouth and on the hands and feet. The disease is typically mild and goes away on its own, but sometimes it can lead to serious complications. Here's what you need to know.
Most HFMD cases are caused by enteroviruses, primarily coxsackievirus A16. There are several types of enteroviruses and coxsackieviruses that can cause HFMD. They can spread through saliva, nasal mucus, stool, and fluids from blisters. These viruses can be found in the saliva, nasal mucus, stool, and fluids from blisters of infected people.
Close contact, such as kissing, hugging, or sharing utensils
Coughing or sneezing
Touching contaminated objects or surfaces
Contact with feces, such as changing diapers or using the toilet
HFMD is more common in summer and fall. It can affect people of any age, but children under 5 years old are more likely to get it.
The symptoms of HFMD usually appear 3 to 6 days after exposure to the virus. They may include:
Fever
Sore throat
Loss of appetite
Feeling unwell
Painful sores or blisters in the mouth, on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks
Rash or blisters on the palms, soles, and sometimes the buttocks
The rash is not itchy, but sometimes it has blisters
The symptoms may vary from person to person. Some people may have mild or no symptoms at all. Others may have more severe symptoms or complications, such as:
Dehydration, due to difficulty swallowing fluids
Viral meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord
Encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain
Myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle
Paralysis, a loss of muscle function in one or more parts of the body
These complications are rare but can be life-threatening. They require immediate medical attention.
In addition to looking at your symptoms and examining your mouth and skin, your doctor may take a sample of your stool or throat swab for testing. This can help identify the type of virus that caused your infection.
There is no specific treatment for HFMD. Most cases are mild and resolve on their own within 7 to 10 days. However, you can do some things to relieve your symptoms and prevent complications:
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Avoid acidic or spicy drinks that may irritate your mouth sores.
Eat soft foods that are easy to swallow. Avoid foods that are crunchy, salty, or acidic.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce fever and discomfort. Do not give aspirin to children under 18 years old, as it can cause a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.
Use a mouthwash or spray that contains a local anesthetic to numb your mouth sores.
Apply a cold compress or ice pack to your skin rash to ease the pain.
Keep your hands clean and avoid touching your mouth or eyes.
Do not scratch or pop your blisters, as this can spread the infection and cause scarring.
If you have severe symptoms or complications, such as trouble breathing, stiff neck, confusion, chest pain, or weakness, seek medical help right away.
There is no vaccine for HFMD. The best way to prevent it is to avoid contact with infected people and practice good hygiene. You can do this by:
Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, or handling nose or mouth secretions
Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects
Not sharing personal items, such as cups, utensils, towels, or toys
Staying home from work or school if you are sick
Keeping your child away from childcare or school until their fever is gone and their blisters have dried up
A common but usually harmless infection that affects children is HFMD. It causes sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. It usually goes away without treatment, but some people may develop serious complications that require medical attention. It can be prevented by avoiding contact with infected people and practicing good hygiene. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your healthcare provider.
