Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness that causes fever, painful mouth sores, and a rash on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks and legs. It is caused by the Coxsackievirus and spreads easily through direct contact with an infected person. Most children recover fully at home within 7–10 days. Call your pediatrician if your child is unable to drink fluids, develops a very high fever (above 104°F), or seems unusually lethargic or difficult to wake.
Now that school is back in session, germs are spreading and your children are bringing home all types of illnesses, one in particular you should watch out for is Hand Foot and Mouth disease, a viral illness that results in fever and a painful rashes. Dr. Jessica Long gives us the lowdown on this dreaded illness.
When we signed up for parenthood, none of us really knew what we were getting into. Which is probably a good thing because if we were warned about dealing with a sick child who had Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease we may have made a different decision (just kidding, sweet kids!).
If you haven’t been plagued by this viral illness yet, your time will eventually come. Nearly every child is struck by this rash during their early childhood. It is typically harmless and lasts about a week but boy does it make for sleepless nights and lots of phone calls and office visits from uncomfortable families.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth is most common during the summer and early Fall though enteroviruses, which cause it, can infect at any time of year – our practice is seeing a lot of it right now. Your child may feel run down and a bit unwell for a few days, perhaps with fever or less of an appetite. Then the rash will start popping up on their – you guessed it! – hands, feet, and in and around the mouth. Not all three areas will necessarily be affected and other spots, especially their buttocks, can be plagued with these tiny red blistery spots.
There is no quick fix for Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease. Keeping your little one hydrated is the main goal since kids often avoid eating and drinking due to the uncomfortable spots in their mouth. Giving some acetaminophen or ibuprofen may make them more willing to drink. Pedialyte popsicles are also lifesavers to soothe an aching mouth and get fluid in your sick child. If your child still doesn’t want to drink anything, chat with your pediatrician as there are prescription mouth washes that can be used to help combat the pain.
Even though your child may continue to shed the virus for weeks in respiratory droplets (like a runny nose or cough), most kids are no longer contagious once the red spots have crusted over, which takes about seven days. Your pediatrician will likely recommend that your child stay home until that happens and she is feeling better. To help prevent spreading Hand, Foot, and Mouth to others, wash hands frequently, clean and disinfect touched surfaces including toys, and avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging or sharing utensils and cups.
Most importantly, this too will pass. Just like lice, sleep regression, and that really annoying biting stage, Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease is another badge of honor we earn as parents. We really are super heroes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hand Foot And Mouth Disease
What does hand, foot and mouth disease look like?
HFMD typically begins with a fever and sore throat, followed 1–2 days later by painful sores inside the mouth (on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks) and a non-itchy flat or raised rash on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and sometimes the buttocks. The mouth sores can make eating and drinking painful, which is the most common reason families call their pediatrician.
How long does hand, foot and mouth disease last?
Fever and mouth sores typically resolve within 3–5 days. The rash on the hands and feet may persist for 7–10 days. Nails may occasionally peel or fall off in the weeks following the illness — this is a harmless side effect and the nail will grow back normally.
Is hand, foot and mouth disease contagious?
Yes — HFMD is highly contagious. It spreads through direct contact with saliva, mucus, blister fluid, or feces from an infected person. It can also survive on surfaces for several hours. Children are most contagious during the first week of illness. Frequent handwashing is the most effective prevention.
When should I call the pediatrician for hand, foot and mouth disease?
Call Spring Valley Pediatrics if your child is unable to drink adequate fluids due to mouth pain, has a fever above 104°F, is younger than 6 months, seems unusually lethargic or difficult to wake, or if the rash appears infected (increasing redness, warmth, or pus). Go to the emergency room immediately if your child has a stiff neck, difficulty breathing, or seizures.
Can adults get hand, foot and mouth disease?
Yes. Adults can get HFMD, though they usually have milder symptoms or no symptoms at all. They can still spread the virus to children. Pregnant women should take particular care to avoid exposure, as in rare cases the virus can affect the unborn baby.
How do you treat hand, foot and mouth disease at home?
There is no antiviral medication for HFMD — treatment focuses on comfort. Offer cool fluids frequently (cold water, milk, or popsicles can soothe mouth sores). Children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for children over 6 months) can manage fever and pain. Avoid acidic or spicy foods that irritate mouth sores. A cold, smooth diet such as yogurt or applesauce is often tolerated best.
When can my child return to school after hand, foot and mouth disease?
Most pediatricians advise keeping children home until the fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication and they are feeling well enough to participate in normal activities. The rash does not need to be completely gone. Check with your child’s school, as policies vary.
Is there a vaccine for hand, foot and mouth disease?
There is no vaccine for HFMD available in the United States. The best prevention is thorough and frequent handwashing, especially after diaper changes and before meals, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.
