Hand, foot, and mouth disease, or HFMD, is a common infection that is usually contracted by children. This condition causes sores, or ulcers, in and around the mouth, along with a rash or blisters on the hands, feet, legs, and sometimes the buttocks. This condition can be painful, but it is not a serious one. Hoof-and-Mouth disease is a different illness that can only affect animals. The viruses that cause HFMD are coxsackievirus a16 and enterovirus 71.
The symptoms of this condition are quite recognizable and are usually very consistent in those who have contracted this illness:
This condition is caused by a virus. The virus can be shared with other people through saliva, mucus from the nose and lungs, fluid from blisters and scabs, or faeces. Coughing, sneezing, kissing, hugging, or sharing utensils can all lead to others contracting HFMD from someone who is contagious. Changing a baby’s diaper who is sick with HFMD can transmit the illness to others as well.
The risk factors for hand, foot, and mouth disease are:
Diagnosis is usually made almost entirely by a physical examination. The signs of this condition are quite consistent in most cases and are very recognizable. A throat swab or a stool sample can also be sent to the lab to confirm the diagnosis of HFMD.
Prevention of this condition can be complicated if children who go to school with your child are sick with HFMD. You will need to be sure that everyone in your family washes their hands before eating every day and that those who are changing the diapers of young children always wash their hands right away and do not touch other items in the home before doing so. Make sure that children cough into their hands and then wash them right away. Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in the home regularly is also important.
If someone in the home has been diagnosed with HFMD, they will need to cease sharing utensils, kisses, and direct contact with others in the home until they are symptom free. Children with HFMD should not attend day-care until their symptoms have disappeared as well.
Treatment of this condition involves keeping the patient comfortable. This is a virus, so it cannot be treated with antibiotics or other medications to cure it. NSAIDs can be given for fever and painful blisters. Water intake should be kept up, and avoiding acidic or irritating or spicy foods is also key. Rest and sleep are also ideal for caring for this condition.
Most patients will feel much better after a week. However, rash symptoms can linger for longer than the original throat and mouth blisters. Patients might need to use anti-itch cream like calamine to help soothe the rash.