What Is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)? Symptoms and Treatment
Jul 14, 2022Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common infection among young children. It primarily affects those under the age of 10, and those aged 5 and lower are particularly vulnerable. The disease is not gender-specific and affects both boys and girls equally. HFMD is not the same as the better known foot and mouth disease, which affects only animals.
Causes and Transmission
HFMD is a viral infection that is caused by coxsackievirus a16 and enterovirus 71. These viruses reside in the fluids and waste matter in an infected person’s body. Contact with saliva, mucus from the respiratory system, excreta and fluid from blisters and scabs are the most common sources of infection. It typically spreads through:
- Coughing and/or sneezing
- Close contact like kissing, hugging or sharing utensils or cutlery
- Touching surfaces that have the virus on them – usually from being touched previously by an infected person
- Coming into contact with excreta such as when changing diapers
Because HFMD spreads through close contact or proximity, the most common source of infection is in childcare settings such as nurseries and primary schools. A big danger comes from the fact that while the symptoms usually disappear within 7 days, a child can still be a carrier and allowing children who have had HFMD to return to schools without testing to ensure that he or she is virus-free is a major factor in the spread of the disease. While the disease can be uncomfortable and painful, it is rarely, if ever, serious.
Symptoms
HFMD has a variety of symptoms. A child may display all of them or only one or a few. The symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- A general feeling of lassitude and being unwell
- A rash that develops on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and, in some cases, on the buttocks
- Painful and sensitive blister-like lesions on the gums, on the inside of the cheeks and on the tongue
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability, bad mood and frequent bouts of crying for no apparent reason or crying at the slightest provocation
The incubation period (the time from the first infection to the appearance of symptoms) of HFMD is usually between 3 to 6 days. Fever is often the first sign and this is typically followed by sore throat. The lesions appear about 2 days after the fever starts and the rashes appear in another 1 or 2 days. If sores develop at the back of the mouth, that is an indication that the child may have a related infection called herpangina.
When to See a Doctor
HFMD is a minor ailment and if the symptoms are fairly mild, normal home care and age-appropriate over-the-counter medication to soothe the sores and rashes and bring down the fever are usually all that is required. However, if the child experiences severe pain or discomfort or if the mouth sores make it difficult to swallow, a doctor should be consulted without delay so that stronger medication can be prescribed. Because difficulty in swallowing may lead to dehydration, oral hydration supplements may be prescribed as well.
Treatment
There is no vaccine to prevent HFMD or a specific course of treatment. Since it is a viral infection, antibiotics will be ineffective in treating the illness. Since the disease normally fades away after 7 to 10 days, and the symptoms are mild, the following medicines and actions can help the child feel better.
- Over-the-counter age-appropriate pain-reducing medicines and mouth-numbing sprays or gels.
- Calamine lotion to reduce the itchiness from the rashes.
- Cold foods like curds, flavoured ices, ice creams and smoothies will help soothe the soreness in the mouth and throat.
As already stated, if the child is in serious discomfort or if the infection does not fade away, a doctor should be consulted. It is better to keep the child at home for 2 weeks after the last of the symptoms has completely disappeared to prevent him or her from being a carrier and infecting other children.
When in doubt, it is best to consult a paediatrician so that the parents' fears may be put to rest and any special treatment that may be required may be started. The right place to go to is a hospital with a specialized paediatrics department where qualified and experienced doctors as well as the best diagnostic and treatment technologies and equipment will be available.
Also Read: Paediatric Care – Choosing the Right Hospital
Complications
Complications arising from HFMD are rare and not normally a cause for concern. However, in a few cases the following complications are possible:
- Dehydration due to difficulty in swallowing
- Encephalitis – swelling of the brain
- Viral meningitis – the swelling of the membranes around the spinal cord and brain
- Myocarditis – swelling of the heart muscles
- Paralysis
Although these complications may make a minor infection more serious, they can all be treated.
Prevention
There is no guaranteed way of preventing HFMD, but these simple steps will help to significantly reduce the chances of infection:
- Parents should wash their hands carefully, especially after changing diapers or before washing or bathing the child.
- Items that the child touches like toys, door handles and other items should be disinfected regularly.
- The child should be taught to cover his or her nose and mouth when sneezing and should keep a distance from other children who cough or sneeze frequently.
- If there is more than one child in the house, isolate the one who has the infection to prevent it from spreading to the others.
- Do not send the child to school until a week after all the symptoms have gone and the child is no longer at risk of being a carrier.
HFMD is, in almost all cases, a minor and normal childhood illness and is no cause for concern. However, since there is the remote possibility of complications arising, if home care appears to be ineffective, or if there are any doubts or concerns about the child’s condition, it is important to consult a paediatrician without delay.
Comments - 0
Share Your Thoughts
SEARCH
RECENT BLOGS
CATEGORIES
7 Proven Ways to Live a Heart Healthy Life
Common Heart Procedures An Overview
Common Tests To Diagnose Heart Disease
All You Need To Know About Coronary Artery Disease
How to Manage Stress at Work? | Heart Health
How Good Sleep Can Keep Your Heart Healthy
Angioplasty and Stent Placement - How Is It Done?
Minimally Invasive Radiofrequency Ablation for Irregular Heartbeat
Causes of Hair Fall and Prevention
All You Need To Know About Abdominoplasty Or Tummy Tuck Surgery
All You Need to Know About PRP Treatment
What Is Cosmetic Surgery? What are the types of Cosmetic Surgery?
Staying Healthy During A Pandemic
Healthcare in the Post COVID-19 World
Emergency Response When Experiencing Difficulty in Breathing
First Aid for Seniors – Special Precautions and Needs
The Importance of Medical Care for Patients Who Have Only About 6 Months to Live
Vertigo - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Middle Ear Infection And Treatment
Can Diabetes be cured permanently?
The Importance of Health Packages in Staying Healthy
Whom to See First? General Physician or Specialist?
Knowing When to Go to the Hospital
How to Find the Right Hospital Near You?
Why Multispecialty Hospitals Are the Best
The Link Between Diabetes And Obesity
Pain in Sole of the Foot – Do Not Ignore It
The Dangers of Antibiotic Misuse
What causes excessive burping?
Acid Reflux Should Not Be Ignored
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The Importance Of Limiting Time On Tech Devices For Children
Sitting Too Much and Heart Health: The Link
Health Risks While Returning to Work after the Lockdown
A South Indian Diet Plan For Heart Patients
Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Traumatic Brain Injury - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
5 Things to Know About Cerebral Palsy
Spotting Early Signs of Dementia
List of Common Urogynaecology Surgical Procedures
Tips for Successful Breast Feeding
The Importance of Regular Gynaecological Examinations
How To Find The Best Gynecologist
Vaginal Discharge - When Should You See A Doctor
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – What You Need To Know
Premenstrual Syndrome - Understanding and Dealing with It
What You Need to Know About Ovarian Cyst
Menopause Is Normal but That Does Not Mean It May Not Need Treatment
Uterine Fibroids May Be Common, but the Condition Should Not Be Ignored
What You Need to Know About Menstrual Pain and Cramps?
பெண்ணுறுப்பு புற்றுநோய்க்கான அபாயத்தைக் குறைக்கும் ஆரோக்கியமான பழக்க வழக்கங்கள்
மகப்பேற்றுக்குப் பின்பான பராமரிப்பு – சில ஆலோசனைகள்
Advancements in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Endometriosis: Surgical Options and Their Impact on Quality of Life
The Importance of Self Breast Examination
Understanding the Various Stages of Lung Cancer
Can Lung Cancer Be Diagnosed Without a Biopsy?
Healthy Habits That Can Help Deal with Lung Cancer
Understanding Cancer – The First Step In Dealing With It – Part 1
Understanding Cancer - The First Step In Dealing With It - Part 2
HPV Vaccination – Protection against Cervical and Other Cancers
கீல்வாத மூட்டுவலி என்பது என்ன?
Herniated Disk: When Is Surgery Needed?
Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes and Treatment
Do Brittle Bones and Hormones Have a Connection?
Paediatric Care – Choosing the Right Hospital
Immunization Chart For The Ages Of 0 To 3 Years
Regular Health Checkups for Children Are Vital for Long-Term Good Health
Psychological Trauma after an accident
Sleep Disorders - Causes and Treatment
மாரடைப்பின் எச்சரிக்கை அறிகுறிகளை அறியுங்கள் – தாமதிக்காமல் செயல்படுங்கள்!
எண்டோகிரைன் கோளாறுகள் - வகைகள், காரணங்கள், அறிகுறிகள், நோய் கண்டறிதல் மற்றும் சிகிச்சை வகைகள்
இதய நோயாளிகளுக்கான உணவுமுறைத்திட்டம்
குழந்தை சாப்பிட வம்பு பண்ணும் பழக்கத்தை சரி செய்யும் வழிகள்
ஸ்ட்ரோக் - சிகிச்சையும் பாதுகாப்பும்
நுரையீரல் புற்றுநோய்க் காரணிகள்
குழந்தைகள் பொருட்களை விழுங்கிவிட்டால் என்ன செய்வது
வாழ்க்கை முறை மாற்றங்கள் மூலம் கொலஸ்ட்ரால் அளவைக் குறைப்பது எப்படி?
வைட்டமின் டி குறைபாட்டினை நிவர்த்தி செய்யும் வழிகள்
தோல் வியாதிகள் மற்றும் அவற்றைப் புறக்கணிப்பதால் ஏற்படும் அபாயங்கள்
இதய நோய்ச் சிகிச்சையில் தொழில்நுட்ப முன்னேற்றங்கள்
மனநல நோய்கள் குணப்படுத்தப் படக் கூடியவை, கவலை வேண்டாம்!
செர்விகல் ஸ்போண்டிலோசிஸ் – காரணங்கள் மற்றும் சிகிச்சை
கீழ் முதுகுவலி மீண்டும் வராமல் தடுக்க சில வாழ்க்கை முறை மாற்றங்கள்
வறண்ட தொண்டைப் புண் - காரணங்கள் மற்றும் சிகிச்சை
ஆஸ்துமாவுடன் வாழ்வது – நாம் தெரிந்து கொள்ள வேண்டிய விஷயங்கள்
செவித்திறன் இழப்பு - காரணங்கள் மற்றும் தடுப்பு
உறைந்த தோள்பட்டையை (ஃப்ரோஸன் ஷோல்டர்) புறக்கணிக்காதீர்கள்!
நடைப்பயிற்சி ஒரு வரப்பிரசாதம்!
மகளிர்நல மருத்துவச் சிகிச்சைகள் மற்றும் அறுவைச் சிகிச்சைகளிலான முன்னேற்றங்கள்