Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: What is it?

                                   Childerns Care

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Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common virus generally affecting children between the ages of six months and four years of age and that usually surfaces in the summer and early fall as it spreads between these children in daycares and schools. (It’s not to be confused with hoof and mouth disease, which only affects cloven-foot animals.)

What are the symptoms?

While the virus has multiple strands, primary symptoms include fever and small, but painful sores on the throat, gums, hands, soles of feet and diaper area. Children can also experience headaches and a decrease in their appetite.

What can we expect with the illness?

Usually the virus lasts seven to ten days, but the fever often subsides after the first few days at which point the child is no longer contagious and can return to his or her daycare and school.

The mouth sores will last for about a week and the skin rash for about a week and a half. Children normally recover completely after this virus with no long-term consequences. Although at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, we’ve seen a number of children who’ve temporarily had peeling fingernails and toenails following the virus. These will heal on their own, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye on them.

How can it be treated?

The virus will resolve itself without specific treatment, but it’s important to provide supportive care for the child and treat the fever and pain with Tylenol or ibuprofen (remember, no aspirin products for children under the age of 18). Keeping the child well hydrated is also important, and since the mouth sores can be painful, offering popsicles, cool drinks and the pain relievers mentioned above may help alleviate some the child’s more uncomfortable symptoms.
What if I still have concerns?

If you’re concerned about dehydration or the way the child is acting, those are good reasons to go see the doctor. Otherwise, the Hand, Foot and Mouth disease isn’t something to worry about—just something to keep an eye on, especially to avoid spreading the virus.