How to recognise & treat Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (Coxsackievirus) in kids | Doctor O'Donovan

Summary

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection primarily affecting young children, marked by fever, sore throat, painful mouth sores, and a rash on the hands and feet. Caused by the coxsackie A16 virus, it spreads through contact with an infected person’s fluids. Diagnosis is typically clinical, and while there is no specific treatment, supportive care, including pain relief, hydration, and oral anesthetics, is essential. Preventive measures include frequent handwashing and avoiding the sharing of personal items. Though the illness is usually mild, complications can occur, so monitoring and seeking medical help when necessary is important.

Takeaways

• 😀 HFMD is a common viral infection affecting infants and young children, characterized by mouth sores and rashes on the hands and feet.
• 😀 The typical symptoms of HFMD include fever, sore throat, irritability, loss of appetite, mouth sores, and a rash on the hands, feet, and buttocks.
• 😀 The incubation period for HFMD is 3-6 days, with fever often being the first sign, followed by mouth sores and rashes.
• 😀 The coxsackie A16 virus is the most common cause of HFMD, spread through nasal secretions, saliva, fluid from blisters, and respiratory droplets.
• 😀 Diagnosis of HFMD is mostly clinical, based on visual symptoms. It can be differentiated from similar illnesses like herpangina, which lacks a rash.
• 😀 HFMD is usually a mild illness, but medical attention is needed if the child can't drink fluids or shows signs of dehydration.
• 😀 Supportive care, such as fever and pain relief (paracetamol or ibuprofen), is the main treatment for HFMD. There is no specific antiviral treatment.
• 😀 It is important to encourage fluid intake and a soft diet to help the child recover. If the child shows signs of severe dehydration, seek medical help immediately.
• 😀 Preventive measures include good hygiene practices like frequent handwashing, using tissues when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding sharing personal items.
• 😀 Pregnant women should avoid close contact with those infected with HFMD. Children should stay home if they're too unwell for school, but they can return once they feel better.

Q & A

What is hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral infection, primarily affecting young children and infants. It is characterized by sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks.

What are the primary symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease?

The primary symptoms of HFMD include fever, sore throat, irritability, loss of appetite, mouth sores, and a rash on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks.

How long does it take for symptoms to appear after infection?

The incubation period, or time from infection to the onset of symptoms, typically ranges from 3 to 6 days.

What causes hand, foot, and mouth disease?

HFMD is most commonly caused by the coxsackievirus A16, which spreads through contact with respiratory droplets, saliva, nasal secretions, or fluid from blisters of an infected person.

How is hand, foot, and mouth disease diagnosed?

The diagnosis of HFMD is usually made clinically by a healthcare provider, who assesses the child based on the characteristic rash and mouth sores. Special tests are typically not needed.

What are the main treatment options for hand, foot, and mouth disease?

There is no specific treatment for HFMD. The main approach is supportive care, such as managing fever with paracetamol or ibuprofen, ensuring hydration, and offering a soft diet. Topical oral anesthetics like lidocaine gel can be used to relieve mouth pain.

Can antibiotics or antiviral medications treat hand, foot, and mouth disease?

No, antibiotics and antiviral medications are not effective for treating HFMD, as it is caused by a virus. The illness typically resolves on its own within 7 to 10 days.

What can be done to prevent the spread of hand, foot, and mouth disease?

Prevention measures include frequent handwashing, using tissues to cover coughs or sneezes, avoiding the sharing of towels or eating utensils, and washing soiled bedding and clothing on hot washes.

What should a parent do if their child has difficulty drinking fluids due to mouth sores?

If a child is struggling to drink fluids or shows signs of dehydration, such as lethargy or drowsiness, it is important to seek medical attention.

Is it safe for children to attend school or nursery if they have hand, foot, and mouth disease?

In the UK, children can return to school or nursery once they feel better, even if the blisters haven't healed. However, if the child is too unwell to attend, they should stay home. For other countries, local guidelines should be followed.