Hand foot mouth disease (HFMD) in children

What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

Hand foot mouth disease (HFMD), also known as coxsackie, is a viral rash caused by the coxsackie enterovirus. The disease spreads through direct contact with saliva, mucus, stool, or respiratory droplets, making it highly contagious, especially in places like daycare centers and schools where children are in close contact. HFMD is typically diagnosed by a pediatrician through an examination of the rash.

Symptoms of Hand Foot Mouth disease

• Fever
• Painful sores or blisters on the throat, tongue, gums, inside the cheeks
• Sore throat
• Painful swallowing
• Small, fluid-filled blisters on the hand, fingers, palms, feet, buttocks, or genitals
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Poor appetite

How to treat Hand Foot Mouth disease

• Stay hydrated: Encourage plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, especially since mouth sores can make eating and drinking painful.
• Fever relief: Use over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help reduce fever and ease discomfort (for children over 6 months).
• Sore relief: Cold foods like fruit popsicles or smoothies can provide soothing relief for sore throat and mouth sores.

How to prevent Hand Foot Mouth disease

• Encourage regular handwashing with soap and warm water, particularly after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before meals. If your child attends daycare or visits public play areas, make sure they wash their hands afterward.
• Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces, toys, and commonly touched items to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
• Keep them home from school or daycare to prevent spreading HFMD to others.
• Do not share food, drinks, utensils, or personal items that may come into contact with saliva or mucus.
• Teach your child to cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing to prevent spreading HFMD.

When to consult your pediatrician about Hand Foot Mouth Disease

Consult your local or Summer Health pediatrician if:

• Symptoms worsen or do not improve after a week.
• Your child shows signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet diapers, dry mouth, or lethargy.
• Mouth sores or blisters make it difficult for your child to drink or eat.

If you have questions about Hand Foot Mouth disease, reach out to your local or Summer Health pediatrician for support. Summer Health is a pediatric telehealth platform offering 24/7 care, providing answers for everything from urgent concerns to everyday questions about your child’s health.