Rashes can be scary, especially for parents of young children — and they can be particularly frightening when they cover your child’s hands, feet and mouth. Though its rash may look alarming, hand, foot and mouth disease is a common childhood illness, and most children can generally get over it on their own.
Maria Lavaia, MD, a pediatrician at Atlantic Health, shares more about hand, foot and mouth disease, its symptoms, and how parents and caregivers can prevent it.
What is hand, foot and mouth disease?
Hand, foot and mouth disease (not to be confused with hoof and mouth disease, a condition that impacts livestock) is a highly contagious viral illness caused by the Coxsackie virus.
This disease spreads through saliva, respiratory droplets, stool and contaminated surfaces, which is one of the reasons it spreads so easily through places like daycares. This virus has a few different subtypes and tends to circulate in the summer and fall.
“Hand, foot and mouth disease typically impacts children under age 5, but older kids and adults can also catch it,” says Dr. Lavaia. “Unfortunately, because there are different subtypes of the virus, children can catch it a few times before they get immunity.”
What are the symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease?
Children can start showing symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease three to six days after exposure to the virus. These symptoms include:
- A rash on the palms of the hand, soles of the feet and around the mouth. The rash can also extend to the arms, legs and diaper area.
- Blisters in the mouth and throat.
- Decreased appetite.
- Drooling, especially in younger children.
- Fever (may be the first symptom).
- Runny nose.
Children are most contagious when they have a fever or when they have new blisters, but they continue to be contagious for a few weeks since they are still shedding the virus in their stool.
“Fortunately, the rash is not usually painful, though it can be bothersome to kids,” says Dr. Lavaia. “And children can go back to school or daycare once they are fever-free for 24 hours, feeling fine and have no new lesions.”
Dr. Lavaia adds that parents should be aware that the nails or skin of the fingertips and toes may peel off weeks after the illness.
Hand, foot and mouth disease usually resolves on its own (without treatment), and children feel better after a week or so. However, check in with your child’s pediatrician if your child:
- Is very young (under three months old) or immunocompromised.
- Has a prolonged fever (more than 72 hours).
- Shows signs of dehydration (looks lethargic or hasn’t urinated in eight hours).
- Has blisters or a rash that may be infected.
What treatments are available for hand, foot and mouth disease?
Unfortunately, there are no treatments to cure hand, foot and mouth disease, but supportive care can help ease your child’s symptoms:
- Encourage hydration. Dr. Lavaia recommends ice pops, which can also soothe sore throats.
- Avoid spicy or acidic foods that might irritate the mouth and throat.
- Serve soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow.
- Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed to control fever.
While it might be tempting, Dr. Lavaia says not to use Orajel™ or other topical anesthetics in the mouth, since these can be absorbed through the gums and cause harm in children.
Though not all hand, foot and mouth disease can be prevented, parents and caregivers can lower their child’s risk by practicing good handwashing habits, especially after changing diapers, and disinfecting surfaces.
“Caregivers can model good behaviors, including showing kids how to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing,” says Dr. Lavaia. “They can also avoid sharing drinks, utensils or personal items, but the biggest thing is handwashing, handwashing, handwashing.”
Related news articles
