What is hand, foot, and mouth disease?
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Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a fairly common viral illness in children. (HFMD is not the same as foot-and-mouth disease, also called hoof-and-mouth disease, which affects animals.)
HFMD most often occurs in preschoolers, although adults and children of any age can get it. Most adults have developed antibodies against it from previous exposure. HFMD most often shows up in the summer and fall.
HFMD can be caused by any of a number of viruses, most commonly the coxsackie virus. Although in very rare cases HFMD can lead to viral meningitis or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), children usually recover just fine, without treatment, in a week to ten days.
HFMD most often occurs in preschoolers, although adults and children of any age can get it. Most adults have developed antibodies against it from previous exposure. HFMD most often shows up in the summer and fall.
HFMD can be caused by any of a number of viruses, most commonly the coxsackie virus. Although in very rare cases HFMD can lead to viral meningitis or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), children usually recover just fine, without treatment, in a week to ten days.
What are the symptoms?
If your toddler contracts HFMD, he'll first have a mild fever. You may notice that his appetite isn't what it usually is. He may also have a sore throat and feel lousy in general.
Is HFMD contagious?
A day or two after the fever starts, your toddler will develop painful sores in his mouth — on his tongue, gums, or the inside of his cheeks. This will likely make him irritable.
Your child may also develop a rash on the palms of his hands, the soles of his feet, and maybe his buttocks. The rash, which isn't itchy, starts out as small, flat, red dots that may turn into bumps or blisters.
Your child may also develop a rash on the palms of his hands, the soles of his feet, and maybe his buttocks. The rash, which isn't itchy, starts out as small, flat, red dots that may turn into bumps or blisters.
Yes, the virus can be transmitted through nose and throat secretions, the fluid in the blisters, or stool. While your child will be most contagious during the week he first shows symptoms, the virus can be transmitted for weeks afterward.
If your toddler usually goes to daycare, check with the staff about the attendance policy. They may want you to keep your child home until his symptoms are gone or even longer.
If your toddler usually goes to daycare, check with the staff about the attendance policy. They may want you to keep your child home until his symptoms are gone or even longer.
Should I call the doctor?
Yes. Although your child's doctor won't be able to do much, she can make recommendations for fever and pain relief. And if you're not sure that HFMD is what you're dealing with, the doctor can confirm it by taking a look.
If your child's fever rises higher than 103 degrees Fahrenheit or doesn't subside after four to five days, the doctor will probably want to see him.
Dehydration is a concern because your child's mouth sores may make it difficult for him to drink anything. If your child shows any signs of dehydration — such as lethargy or a dry, parched mouth — call his doctor immediately.
If your child's fever rises higher than 103 degrees Fahrenheit or doesn't subside after four to five days, the doctor will probably want to see him.
Dehydration is a concern because your child's mouth sores may make it difficult for him to drink anything. If your child shows any signs of dehydration — such as lethargy or a dry, parched mouth — call his doctor immediately.
How should I care for my child while he's sick with HFMD?
If your child has a relatively mild case of this illness, you won't have to do much beyond watching his temperature and making sure he's taking in enough liquids and food. If your toddler gets a bad case of HFMD, though, he can be really miserable. Be prepared to do plenty of soothing in addition to pushing the liquids.
Avoid giving your toddler salty, spicy, and acidic foods (like citrus) while his mouth hurts. Soft foods will be easiest for him to eat.
Cold drinks, ice cream, and ice pops may ease the pain, as will the proper dose of children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen. (Never give a child aspirin. It can lead to Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disorder.)
One way to temporarily ease the pain is to dip a cotton swab in a one-to-one mixture of a liquid antacid (such as Maalox or Mylanta) and liquid children's antihistamine (such as Benadryl), and gently coat the inside of your toddler's mouth with the solution. The combination of these two over-the-counter medicines will coat and soothe the sores. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend adding a prescription medicine to the mix.
Avoid giving your toddler salty, spicy, and acidic foods (like citrus) while his mouth hurts. Soft foods will be easiest for him to eat.
Cold drinks, ice cream, and ice pops may ease the pain, as will the proper dose of children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen. (Never give a child aspirin. It can lead to Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disorder.)
One way to temporarily ease the pain is to dip a cotton swab in a one-to-one mixture of a liquid antacid (such as Maalox or Mylanta) and liquid children's antihistamine (such as Benadryl), and gently coat the inside of your toddler's mouth with the solution. The combination of these two over-the-counter medicines will coat and soothe the sores. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend adding a prescription medicine to the mix.
