Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness that primarily affects infants and children under the age of 5, but can also occur in adults. It is characterized by a distinctive rash on the hands and feet, as well as sores in the mouth.

Causes

HFMD is caused by viruses from the Picornaviridae family, which includes coxsackieviruses A and B, enterovirus 71 (EV-71), and other enteroviruses. The virus is highly contagious and can be spread through:

• Direct contact with an infected person's respiratory secretions, such as saliva, sputum, or mucus
• Touching contaminated surfaces or objects
• Close contact with an infected person, such as shaking hands or sharing utensils
• Fecal-oral transmission, where the virus is shed in the stool of an infected person and ingested by another person

Symptoms

The symptoms of HFMD typically develop within 3-7 days after exposure to the virus and may include:

• Fever, which can range from mild to high
• Sores or blisters in the mouth, which can be painful and may make eating and drinking difficult
• A rash on the hands and feet, which can appear as flat red spots or blisters
• Rash or blisters on the buttocks or genital area
• Irritability or restlessness in infants and young children
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting or diarrhea

Treatments

There is no specific treatment for HFMD, but symptoms can be managed with:

• Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), to reduce fever and relieve pain
• Topical anesthetics, such as lidocaine or benzocaine, to numb the mouth and throat
• Antibiotic ointments or creams to prevent secondary bacterial infections
• Rest and hydration to help the body recover from the illness
• Soft foods and cool liquids to ease eating and drinking

Complications

In rare cases, HFMD can lead to complications, such as:

• Dehydration, which can occur if the child is not able to eat or drink due to mouth sores
• Secondary bacterial infections, such as strep throat or pneumonia
• Viral meningitis, a rare but serious complication that can cause inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord
• Encephalitis, a rare but serious complication that can cause inflammation of the brain

Prevention

To reduce the risk of getting HFMD, it is essential to:

• Practice good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently with soap and water
• Avoid close contact with anyone who has HFMD
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with the virus
• Avoid sharing utensils, cups, or other personal items