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Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Oghenefejiro Okifo | MD

Medically reviewed by Oghenefejiro Okifo | MD, Harvard Medical School | Henry Ford Hospital - Detroit, MI on March 3rd, 2024.

Key Takeaways

  • Non-polio enteroviruses (primarily Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71) cause this infection, which affects 90% of cases in children under 5 but can occur in adults with more severe symptoms.

  • Initial fever of 101-103°F appears 3-6 days after exposure, followed by painful mouth ulcers that make eating difficult, then the characteristic blister rash 1-2 days later.

  • Contagious period extends from initial fever through blister healing (7-10 days), with viral shedding in stool continuing for several weeks after recovery.

  • Pain management focuses on acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever, while cold foods like popsicles and avoiding acidic drinks help with mouth pain—aspirin should never be given to children.

  • Complications are rare but include viral meningitis (1 in 1,000 cases) and nail loss 4-6 weeks after infection, particularly with Coxsackievirus A6 strains.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection that primarily affects infants and young children. While it can be painful, it is not a serious condition and usually clears up without medication within 7-10 days. In this article, we'll discuss the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of HFMD.

What Causes Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

HFMD is caused by viruses belonging to the non-polio enterovirus group, with the most common being Coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) and Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71). These viruses spread easily through close contact, especially among children in daycare settings and schools.

Symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

HFMD symptoms typically appear in two stages:

  1. Early symptoms (1-2 days):

    • Fever

    • Sore throat

    • Painful blisters inside the mouth or on the tongue

    • Feeling unwell (malaise)

    • Loss of appetite

    • Fatigue

    • Crankiness

  2. Later symptoms (3-7 days):

    • Rash that turns into blisters on hands, feet, knees, elbows, or buttocks

    • Painful sores in and around the mouth

    • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Diagnosing Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

A doctor can usually diagnose HFMD by examining the sores and rashes on the patient's body. In some cases, they may take a throat swab or a sample of poop or blood for lab testing to confirm the diagnosis.

Treating Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

There is no specific treatment for HFMD, as it is caused by a virus and antibiotics are not effective. However, you can ease the symptoms with:

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen (avoid aspirin in children)

  • Numbing mouth sprays

  • Cold treats such as ice pops, yogurt, or smoothies to soothe a sore throat

  • Anti-itch lotion, such as calamine, for rashes

Preventing the Spread of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

To reduce the risk of spreading HFMD, follow these guidelines:

  • Wash your hands frequently, especially after changing diapers or wiping a child's nose

  • Teach children to cover their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing

  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and shared items like toys and doorknobs

  • Avoid close contact with infected individuals, such as hugging, kissing, or sharing cups and utensils

  • Keep children with HFMD out of school or daycare until their fever is gone and mouth sores have healed

For more information on hand, foot, and mouth disease, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mayo Clinic, or World Health Organization (WHO) websites.

Takeaways

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects infants and young children. While it can be painful, it is not a serious condition and usually clears up on its own within 1-2 weeks. By understanding the symptoms, treatment options, and prevention methods, you can help manage the disease and reduce its spread.

The Bottom Line

Most cases resolve within a week with supportive care, but maintaining hydration is crucial since mouth pain often prevents adequate fluid intake. Keep children home until fever-free for 24 hours and practice thorough handwashing since the virus survives on surfaces for days. If you're concerned about symptoms or need guidance on managing pain and hydration, Doctronic can provide quick answers and peace of mind.

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