Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease
Each year, as pediatricians, we see lots of hand-foot-and-mouth disease! We usually see this in the summertime but this year has proven to be a little different. As the weather gets cooler, hand-foot-and-mouth disease is running rampant. So, since your child may have already had, or may develop this common illness, let's explore what this virus is all about.
What is hand-foot-and-mouth disease?
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFM disease) is a viral infection common in young children, usually age 5 and under, but can occur at any age. It's telltale sign is a rash on the hands and feet, and sometimes in the mouth, hence the name.
More specifically, the rash usually involves the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, distinguishing it from many other illnesses that can cause a rash. The rash consists of red bumps that are usually not itchy, painful, or bothersome at all to the child. The rash tends to bother us, as parents, far more than it does our child(ren) due to the look of the rash.
Sometimes the bumps blister, making the skin a little itchy or irritated. If the bumps do blister, you may notice some peeling of your child's skin. This type of peeling, especially of the hands and feet, may last longer than the actual virus and can linger on for a few weeks even after the rest of the illness has resolved.
While the rash is the most classic finding, hand-foot-and-mouth disease can also cause:
Fever is often the first sign of hand-foot-and-mouth disease, followed by the rash 1-2 days later. However, sometimes no fever occurs and the first sign is the rash or mouth sores.
Outbreaks of hand-foot-and-mouth disease are most common in the summer and fall seasons in the United States. In tropical climates, outbreaks occur year-round.
What causes hand-foot-and-mouth disease?
HFM disease is most commonly caused by a group of viruses called enteroviruses, and usually specifically by a virus called coxsackievirus.
How is hand-foot-and-mouth disease spread?
HFM disease is contagious and spreads from person to person. The illness spreads by contact with an infected person's:
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is commonly spread in childcare settings because small children are not the most hygienic and often put their hands in their mouths (and other places). However, the virus can also be passed by adults and older children who may not show signs or symptoms of the disease (usually because they have already developed an immunity to the virus) but can still spread the disease through respiratory droplets and the other means mentioned above.
Children are most contagious during the febrile stage (if fever occurs) but can remain contagious during the first week of the illness. When fever does not occur, there is no way for parents or childcare workers to know that a child has been exposed...until the rash develops.
By this time, a child may have already passed the virus to others, which is another reason why the virus is spread so easily.
Children usually develop immunity to hand-foot-and-mouth disease after exposure to the virus. However, because HFM disease is caused by a group of viruses and not just one virus, it is possible to get HFM disease again. It is also possible, but less common, for older children and adults to get the disease (if they have never been exposed before).
How do you treat hand-foot-and-mouth disease?
Since HFM disease is caused by a virus, there is no treatment that will make the illness go away faster. Fortunately, the illness is typically mild and will resolve on its own, usually within 7-10 days.
You can treat some of the symptoms of HFM disease if they are bothersome for your child. This may help them feel better while their body does the work of fighting off the virus.
Are there any complications of hand-foot-and-mouth disease?
The most common complication of HFM disease is dehydration since the painful mouth sores can lead to a child not eating or drinking like usual. To prevent this:
For more information or to get your child checked, call (301) 710-0455 to schedule (for those in Maryland)
All content on this website, including medical opinion and any other health-related information is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Use of this website and the information contained does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor before starting any specific treatment plan.
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