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We think of winter as the peak childhood illness season, but some viruses thrive in heat and humidity. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is at its worst in the summer and early fall. It’s a common childhood illness that usually goes away on its own. However, it’s also one of the most stressful childhood illnesses for parents and caregivers, mainly because it’s unpleasant and uncomfortable. We identify HFMD by its telltale mouth sores and red rash on the hands and feet. In most cases, families can ride it out with rest and fluids like so many other viral illnesses. However, there can be a risk of more severe complications. Also, because HFMD is extra contagious, it’s essential to stay in touch with your pediatrician to get information about local outbreaks at daycares, schools and other facilities catering to kids.
What Are The Symptoms Of HFMD?
We usually recognize Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease by painful sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. The mouth sores begin as small spots and then form blisters that can cause drooling. The mouth sores can also lead to refusal to eat and drink normally. The HFMD rash looks like small red dots and primarily appears on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet but can also show up on the buttocks, arms and legs. These sores can also form blisters. Other symptoms, including fever and sore throat, are similar to common viral infections.
What Causes HFMD?
HFMD is caused by several types of enteroviruses, which are transmitted through the intestine (this is one reason the disease can spread via poop). The most common strains in the US are coxsackieviruses, which live in the digestive tract and tend to be milder than some other HFMD viruses. HFMD is spread by bodily fluids, including drool, saliva and mucus and is also found in poop and fluid from blisters in the mouth or on the skin. It’s unrelated to Foot and Mouth Disease found in animals, and humans cannot get that disease.
What Are The Treatments for Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?
There are currently no medications to treat HFMD and no vaccine available. Most children get better on their own in a week to ten days. As with many viruses, staying hydrated is vital, so make sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids, and call your pediatrician if your child refuses to eat or drink. You can use over-the-counter pain and fever reducers to relieve symptoms.
How Can I Prevent HFMD?
Frequent and thorough hand washing is the best way to prevent Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. The CDC also recommends cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and shared objects, including toys and doorknobs. In many cases, adults and teens have immunity to HFMD from childhood exposure. However, adults can and do get it.
What Are Potential Complications From HFMD?
In most cases, Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is a mild childhood illness; your child simply needs rest and plenty of fluids. However, it can have more severe complications. The CDC reports cases of finger and toenail loss and links to viral meningitis, encephalitis (swelling of the brain) or paralysis. The medical community is also becoming aware of potential neurological
and cardiac complications that may be linked to the less common enterovirus strains.
There are also some rare but significant risks to pregnant women related to viruses that cause HFMD. If you’re pregnant and exposed or have a child diagnosed with HFMD, talk with your doctor and consider taking precautions, including hand washing, masking and avoiding sharing food and drinks with your child.
When Should I Take My Child To The Doctor With HFMD?
If your child isn’t drinking enough because of mouth sores or fever, dehydration is a concern. Dehydration risk is one of the main reasons to contact your pediatrician. We also recommend a visit if your child’s fever lasts more than three days, if other symptoms last more than ten days or if your child is under six months old.
A summer case of HFMD can be inconvenient and unpleasant, but it’s usually not cause for alarm. However, the Loudoun Pediatric Associates team is ready to help if symptoms persist. Our team supports families, ensuring their child gets adequate fluids and checks for dehydration symptoms and other warning signs. HFMD isn’t easy on families, but with your pediatrician’s support, you’ve got this.