Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral illness causing mouth sores and a rash on the hands and feet. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is very contagious and is spread through direct contact with mucus or saliva. Even though it is very contagious, the illness is usually not serious. HFMD is extremely common in children ages five and under but anyone can get it. Dr. Bornstein discusses the symptoms, causes and treatment for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in children below.
SYMPTOMS:
· Painful sores in the mouth
· Red vesicles (blister) on the hands, feet, and sometimes on the buttocks
CAUSES:
A virus called coxsackievirus A16
DIAGNOSIS:
The diagnosis is made clinically. A combination of ulcers in the mouth plus the vesicular rash on the hands, feet, or buttocks will prompt the diagnosis of hand, foot, and mouth syndrome.
CONTAGION:
This illness is highly contagious. The virus is in the mouth and can be spread by contact with saliva. The incubation period is four to six days.
TREATMENT:
· Pain relief
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) can help.
An antacid can be swished in the mouth and spit out. A physician may prescribe a medicine containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl), an antacid (Maalox, Mylanta), and viscous lidocaine, which can numb the area.
An oral rinse with chlorhexidine (Peridex) can provide some relief.
Triamcinolone (Kenalog) dental paste is a steroid that can reduce swelling and be of some help. The lesions will resolve spontaneously in one to two weeks.
DISCUSSION:
Hand, foot, and mouth syndrome cause painful ulcers in the mouth and red spots or vesicles on the hands and feet. The rash is frequently found on the buttocks as well. The ulcers are similar to canker sores and will follow the same course. Once diagnosed, there is no cure, but this will resolve spontaneously in one to two weeks. Pain control is the best medicine. Using topical medication in the mouth that can cover, numb, or shrink inflammation of the sores helps with this. Certain foods can be very painful to a child suffering from this illness, so avoid spicy foods, salty foods, and citrus juices.
Once this illness has presented, it tends to recur. Recurrence usually comes periodically. Hand, Foot & Mouth disease is initiated by another illness, such as an upper respiratory infection, or stress can bring it on. One complication that can occur in infants and young children is dehydration. The lesions in the mouth can be so painful that a child may stop drinking. Push fluids as much as possible, but intravenous fluids may be necessary if this fails.
ONE DOCTOR’S OPINION:
Hand, Foot, and Mouth is a very painful but fortunately self-limited illness. It will come and go in one to two weeks. You have done well if you can make it through without getting dehydrated. Use topical pain medications for the mouth, push fluids as much as possible, and wait one to two weeks for the illness to disappear. It is very contagious for other children, so wash any saliva off toys and surfaces. Also, immediately wash your hands if you come in contact with any saliva. Otherwise, you can transmit this illness to others through hand contact.
Written by Dr. Michael Bornstein, who has 30 years of experience as a pediatrician.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article, including text and images, are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a medical service. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
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