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Hand, foot and mouth disease – you might have heard about this virus before. But what is it and how should it be treated? Le Bonheur Pediatrician Dr. Lori Shenep answers some common questions. What does hand, foot and mouth disease look like?Hand, foot, and mouth (HFM) disease usually consists of fever with painful blisters that form in or around the mouth and on the hands, feet and sometimes on the buttocks and genitals. It is most common in infants and young children, but people of any age can get this. What causes HFM disease?HFM disease is caused by a virus. There are a few viruses that cause HFM disease, and most belong to the genus Enterovirus. How long does it last?Fever may last a day or two, but the rash often takes seven to ten days to resolve. Often, the resolution of the rash is associated with peeling skin and nail changes. In general, once the fever has resolved and the rash is no longer progressing for about 24 hours, kids may return to school. What is the treatment for HFM disease?This infection resolves on its own and does not require any specific treatment. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help reduce fever, sore throat, and pain associated with blisters. If the blisters on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet are associated with burning, ice packs may help. Benadryl may also help alleviate burning or itching associated with the blisters. Emollients are helpful for peeling skin, and popsicles may help with throat pain. “Magic Mouthwash” can be made by mixing liquid Benadryl and Maalox in equal parts. This mouthwash can be used to lightly coat mouth sores. When should I see my doctor?Most of the time, if the illness is mild enough, it can be managed at home. However, if your child does not seem to be drinking enough fluids and the number of wet diapers has decreased substantially, you may need to see your doctor to check for dehydration. Also, rarely, a secondary skin infection may develop at the site of the blisters that may require antibiotic treatment. Where can I read more about HFM disease?Healthychildren.org is a great website that includes more information about this disease and other common childhood illnesses. Subscribe to the blog so you don’t miss a post.
November 09, 2018 | by Darius Radvila, D.O.
Painful mouth sores and an itchy rash on the hands or feet mark an illness dreaded by parents — hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). A common contagious illness caused by different viruses, HFMD typically affects infants and children under age 5, but older kids and adults can catch it as well. Still, the virus tends to be harder on kids than adults, and the first time is often the worst. Fortunately, HFMD is usually not serious. Also, you can’t get HFMD from a pet or animal, and your pet can’t get it from you. Some animals get a different disease that humans don’t get, called hoof-and-mouth disease, which affects cattle, sheep and pigs. Let’s review answers to 5 common questions about hand, foot and mouth disease:
Clean, rinse and sanitize toys and disinfect any surfaces your child touches frequently, such as doorknobs and counters. Always wash your hands after changing diapers and before preparing food. Teach your children (and everyone in the household) to:
Hand, foot and mouth disease affects anyone from kids to parents. Practicing good handwashing is one of the best ways for you and your family to stay healthy. Learn more about children’s services at Edward-Elmhurst Health. Need a primary care doctor for your child? Edward-Elmhurst Health has hundreds of board-certified physicians to choose from. You can book online today to set up your first appointment. Related blogs: Wash those hands; save yourself a trip to the doctor’s office When to keep your child home from school
You may be interested inIf you have reached this screen, your current device or browser is unable to access the full Edward-Elmhurst Health Web site. To see the full site, please upgrade your browser to the most recent version of Safari, Chrome, Firefox or Internet Explorer. If you cannot upgrade your browser, you can remain on this site. Can I put anything on hand foot and mouth rash?There is no medication or antibiotic that will cure HFMD. However you can try these home remedies to help with your child's discomfort: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve discomfort. Topical ointments, such as zinc oxide or petroleum jelly, to protect and heal blisters.
How long does itching last with hand foot and mouth disease?The spots and blisters can sometimes be itchy or uncomfortable and typically last up to 10 days.
Is Hand Foot and Mouth Disease itchy?The rash usually is not itchy and looks like flat or slightly raised red spots, sometimes with blisters that have an area of redness at their base. Fluid in the blister and the resulting scab that forms as the blister heals can contain the virus that causes hand, foot, and mouth disease.
Can you put cortisone cream on hand foot and mouth rash?Typically the rash is not painful or itchy, so you don't need to put anything on it. If it does seem to itch, you can apply 1% hydrocortisone ointment (over-the-counter).
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