Hey there! It’s Dr. Andrea, your board certified Pediatrician and newborn expert. It’s that time of year again when everyone seems to be getting sick and when cases of Hand Foot and Mouth disease seem to be popping up everywhere.Although children are bound to catch different illnesses, this blog will teach you what you need to know about the disease and tips on decreasing your risk of catching it this season.

Overview

Hand Foot and Mouth disease (HFM)is a common viral illness that occurs mainly in the summer and fall in parts of the country with cooler climates,but can occur year round in warmer more tropical areas. The illness typically affects children between the ages of 6 months old to under 5 years old but can be spread to older children and adults.

HFM

is caused by a group of viruses known as Enteroviruses, most commonly by the strain, Cocksackievirus A16. Although the Cocksackievirus A16 virus is the most common cause of HFM disease, it is not the only cause, so it is possible to become infected with Hand Foot and Mouth disease more than once.

Common Symptoms

  • A few days of low grade fever, usually less than 102 F
  • Runny nose
  • Cough
  • Malaise(tiredness)
  • Decreased appetite
  • Painful blisters in the mouth
  • A rash, which can be found on the soles of feet, palms of hands, buttocks or around the mouth. The rash typically appears as small red bumps or tiny water blisters.

In more severe cases of HFM, skin peeling or loss of finger or toenails may be seen even weeks after the infection. This skin peeling is normal and should resolve on its own and nails typically grow back over the next several months. It is also possible in some cases for the virus to infect the nervous system, but this is very uncommon.

Incubation Period and How it’s Spread

Symptoms of the disease usually begin 3 to 6 days after exposure to the virus HFM disease is highly contagious and mostly during the first week of the illness. Once fever has resolved and the mouth blisters and skin blisters are healing it is much less contagious. The illness may still be spread however through close contact with an infected individual or with contaminated surfaces. The virus can also be shed in the stool for a few weeks.

The virus can be spread in the following ways:

  • Breathing in respiratory droplets when an infected persons coughs/sneezes
  • Contact with infected nose and mouth secretions and then touching your eyes or mouth
  • Touching objects contaminated with fluid from the skin blisters or objects contaminated with infected stool and then touching your eyes or mouth

Treatment

HFM disease is caused by a virus,so it cannot be treated with antibiotics. Parents should focus on controlling their child’s pain and keeping their child well hydrated since many children may not want
to drink due to pain caused by the mouth sores and throat irritation. Ask your doctor about over the counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (age 6 months and up), which can be helpful with pain control. Never give a child aspirin. If you are having trouble managing your child’s pain, his/her doctor may be able to prescribe a special type of mouthwash that can help. While mouth sores are present, provide softer food options and avoid acidic foods and drinks that may sting. Cold foods such as popsicles may help sooth the pain.

Prevention

Avoid close contact with infected persons and disinfect common areas and toys. Do not share food and drinks. Remember to wash hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom.For children and adults with HFM, it is important to cover your cough and wipe runny noses with a tissue or sleeve. Thank you for reading my blog on Hand Foot and Mouth disease. If you are looking for a Pediatrician for your child, please call to schedule a complimentary meet and greet with my office (407) 365-4499.

Andrea D. Burns, M.D., FAAP