Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD): Treatment and Prevention
Table of Contents
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common viral infection that spreads quickly. It mainly affects children under 10 years of age, but can affect anyone. The virus that causes hand-foot-and-mouth disease produces mouth sores, a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, and fever.
Most cases of hand, foot and mouth are mild, but proper care helps with recovery. This ensures comfort while getting better.
The disease is particularly common in childcare centres and schools. Symptoms such as painful blisters and fever can make daily life challenging. However, with the right care, recovery usually takes 7–10 days.
Knowing how to ease symptoms and prevent hand, foot and mouth disease from spreading is crucial. This helps keep families and communities safe.
Key Takeaways
- HFMD is a contagious viral disease causing sore mouth and a rash.
- It spreads through close contact and respiratory droplets.
- Most cases resolve without specific treatment within a week.
- Hand hygiene and surface cleaning reduce transmission risks.
- Early recognition helps prevent outbreaks in schools and childcare.
Understanding Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is caused by viruses that cause the disease, often the coxsackie virus or enterovirus 71. These viruses spread easily through close contact. This makes HFMD highly contagious. Understanding how it starts and spreads helps protect yourself and others.
What Causes Hand Foot and Mouth Disease?
HFMD is a viral infection that causes symptoms such as fever and blisters. Specifically, hand foot and mouth disease is caused by the coxsackie virus, especially Coxsackie A16, and enterovirus 71. These viruses are part of the enterovirus family. The coxsackie virus is the most common cause, though other enteroviruses can also cause outbreaks. Understanding the virus helps explain why it spreads quickly in communities.
How HFMD Spreads: Is it Contagious?
The disease is highly contagious, spreading through:
- Direct contact with blisters, saliva, or mucus from a person with hand, foot and mouth disease
- Touching contaminated surfaces like toys or doorknobs
- Respiratory droplets when coughing or sneezing from the mouth or throat
Childcare centres and schools are hotspots because hand foot mouth disease is highly contagious. Children often share items, making prevention of hand, foot and mouth disease challenging.
The Incubationation Period
The incubation period for hand, foot and mouth disease usually lasts 3–6 days after exposure. During this time, infected people can spread the virus before symptoms appear. This makes early containment challenging. Below breaks down key terms:
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Incubation Period | Time from exposure to first symptoms (3–6 days) |
| Contagious Phase | Spreadable up to 1–2 days before symptoms |
| Peak Contagiousness | Most contagious during first week of illness |
Understanding these stages helps families take preventive steps early.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Spotting the early signs hand, foot and mouth day by day is key to managing it well. Here’s what to look out for:
Initial Symptoms
The onset of symptoms often begins with a sudden fever, sore throat and mouth, or less appetite. Your child might feel tired or cranky. These early signs of HFMD usually show up 3–5 days after getting infected.
Characteristic Rash and Blisters
The hand foot and mouth rash starts as red spots, turning into painful blisters. These can pop up on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and causes blisters inside the mouth and often on the tongue or gums. Mouth sores can make eating or drinking painful. Blisters might also appear on the buttocks or genital area.
Symptoms in Different Age Groups
- Children under 5: Often show classic hand foot and mouth disease symptoms, including high fever and widespread skin rash.
- Adults: Hand foot and mouth in adults may present with milder cases or no visible mouth ulcers, but hand foot mouth adults can still spread the virus.
When Symptoms Typically Appear
Fever and sore throat usually appear first, followed by the rash 1–2 days later. Blisters last 5–7 days, but sores in the mouth may take longer to heal. Most hand foot and mouth disease symptoms go away in 7–10 days without leaving scars.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Children vs Adults
HFMD mainly affects children, especially those under 10 years of age. In Australia, children under 10 face higher risks. This is because their immune systems are still developing and they often come into close contact in childcare or schools.
While hand-foot-and-mouth disease primarily affects children, hand foot and mouth disease in adults is also possible. Symptoms in adults are often different. Children with hand, foot and mouth show classic signs: sore mouth, blisters on hands/feet, and fever. Younger kids may feel more discomfort and have complications like dehydration.
Hand foot and mouth adults often have milder cases. Some may not even notice symptoms, while others might report sore throat or flu-like aches instead of visible blisters. However, adults caring for children with HFMD are at risk due to close contact. Key risks for adults include:
- Exposure through contaminated surfaces or direct contact
- Weaker immunity compared to children’s frequent early infections
Australian health data shows children under 10 years account for over 90% of reported cases. Parents and caregivers must take precautions like:
- Teaching children how to wash hands thoroughly after contact with sick children
- Avoiding sharing utensils or towels
While children with hand, foot and mouth need close monitoring, hand foot and mouth in adults often resolves faster. Severe complications are rare in older children and adults, but medical advice is still recommended if symptoms arise.
Understanding these differences helps families manage risks effectively. Stay vigilant, especially if you’re around children under 10 years of age—the group most impacted by this contagious illness.
How is Hand Foot and Mouth Disease Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of hand, foot and mouth disease starts with recognising key symptoms. Knowing when to seek care and understanding how healthcare providers confirm the illness helps ensure timely treatment and disease control. Australia’s health systems track outbreaks of hand, foot, and mouth disease through surveillance, especially after cases linked to global epidemiology in regions like China.
When to See a Doctor
Visit a doctor if you or your child experience:
- High fever lasting over 48 hours
- Difficulty drinking fluids (signs of dehydration)
- Severe symptoms causing inability to eat or drink
How Healthcare Providers Confirm HFMD
Doctors rely on physical exams to check sores, rashes, and blisters. Lab tests may confirm the virus in severe cases of hand, foot and mouth or during outbreaks. Australia’s disease control agencies monitor global trends, including outbreaks in other countries, to adjust local protocols.
Differential Diagnosis
Doctors rule out similar conditions like chickenpox or herpangina. Here’s how they differ:
| Condition | Symptoms | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Chickenpox | Widespread itchy rash | Rash appears as blisters everywhere, not just hands/feet |
| Herpangina | Sores at back of mouth | Often no rash on hands/feet |
| Impetigo | Crusted sores | Caused by bacteria, not viruses |
Treatment for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
There’s no specific treatment for hand, foot and mouth disease. How is mouth disease treated? By managing symptoms to make your child feel better. For this disease, home care helps until the virus goes away. No specific treatment is required, but knowing how to treat symptoms is important.
Managing Fever and Discomfort
Use paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower fever. Hand, foot and mouth disease treatments should follow the right dose for your child’s age and weight. Never take more than the recommended amount. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor for advice that fits your child’s needs.
Soothing Mouth Sores
- Offer cold foods like iceblocks, yoghurt, or smoothies to numb sore throats.
- Use numbing mouthwashes available at Australian pharmacies.
- Avoid acidic or salty foods that irritate sores.
Hydration Strategies
Persistent mouth sores can make drinking hard. Try:
- Small sips of water or electrolyte drinks.
- Iceblocks made from diluted juice.
- Ice chips for children old enough to handle them safely.
Without proper support, dehydration risks rise—stay vigilant.
Medications to Avoid
Never give aspirin to children with HFMD. Aspirin is not given to children with HFMD due to Reye’s syndrome risk. Avoid unproven remedies like herbal supplements or homeopathic treatments. Always check with a healthcare provider before using new products for children with hand, foot and mouth disease.
The Typical Course and Duration of HFMD
Hand, foot and mouth disease usually goes away by itself in 7 to 10 days. Symptoms get worse in the first 3–5 days but then start to get better. By day 5, most kids start to feel better, even if they still have some blisters or rash.
The disease is usually not serious. Fever and mouth sores get better first. Then, the skin lesions fade over 10 days.
- Fever usually goes away in 3–5 days
- Mouth sores heal in 5–7 days
- Rash and blisters clear by day 10
| Stage | Timeline | Key Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Acute Phase | Days 1–3 | Fever, sore throat, initial rash appear |
| Healing Phase | Days 4–7 | Mouth sores scab; blisters form on hands/feet |
| Resolution | Days 8–10 | Rash fades; blisters dry and peel |
Even when symptoms disappear, hand foot and mouth disease contagious period can last for weeks after the symptoms resolve. Maintaining hygiene is very important, even when you can’t see any symptoms. Kids can go back to school when they’re fever-free and their sores are scabbed. But always check with your doctor first.
In rare cases, some children might need to see a doctor if their symptoms get worse or last longer than 10 days.
Preventing the Spread of HFMD in Your Home
To prevent hand, foot, and mouth from spreading, begin by avoiding hand contact. Keeping things clean and practising good hygiene helps prevent disease transmission to others in shared spaces.
Hand Hygiene Practices
Soap and water are the best choices. Make sure to clean around the mouth and hands well. Teach children how to wash their hands by singing “Happy Birthday” twice, which is 20 seconds.
Use alcohol-based gels (60% alcohol) if water isn’t around. Focus on washing hands after using the bathroom, before eating, and after touching blisters.
- Rinse hands for 20 seconds, scrubbing between fingers
- Use paper towels in shared bathrooms
- Remind kids to avoid touching mouth and throat after touching surfaces
Disinfection of Surfaces and Toys
Clean toys, doorknobs, and eating areas every day with strong disinfectants. Focus on areas near the mouth and things that get touched a lot. Soak soft toys in bleach solutions (1:99 ratio) for 10 minutes, then air-dry.
Wash bedding and clothes in hot water to kill viruses.
Isolation Recommendations
Keep distance until blisters scab over. Use separate towels and utensils. If you can, give the sick person their own bathroom. When coughing, use elbow sleeves to stop germs from spreading from nose and mouth or throat.
Keep sick kids home from school until they’re better.
Small changes can make a big difference. Regular habits keep families safe without feeling too hard to do.
HFMD in Schools and Childcare Settings
Hand, foot, and mouth disease spreads quickly in places where lots of kids are together. Schools and childcare centres need to act fast to keep everyone safe. Knowing the rules helps stop outbreaks and keeps our communities healthy.
Guidelines for Return to School
Always check with your state’s health department for the latest rules. Usually, a child can go back to school when:
- Fever-free for 24 hours without medicine
- Blisters are scabbed or healed
- School policies are followed (varies by state)
Tell the staff if your child had HFMD. Some places might ask for a doctor’s note before letting them back in.
Outbreak Management
When cases of hand, foot and mouth pop up, schools move fast to stop it from spreading:
- Notify local health authorities within 24 hours
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces daily
- Keep sick children separate until they’re no longer contagious
Outbreaks might lead to temporary closures if many staff or kids get sick. Stick to the infection control plans given by your state’s health department.
Teaching Prevention Strategies
Here are ways to teach kids about prevention of hand, foot and mouth disease:
| Age Group | Prevention Methods |
|---|---|
| Preschoolers | Singing handwashing songs, picture charts showing germs |
| School-age children | Interactive germ games, videos on proper coughing etiquette |
Teach kids not to share cups or toys. Tell them someone with hand, foot and mouth can spread germs even before they show symptoms.
Possible Complications of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease
Most hand, foot, and mouth disease cases don’t lead to long-term problems. But, some issues can arise. Nail loss, or onychomadesis, is common but usually temporary. Dehydration is a worry if your child has trouble swallowing.
Rare cases might need serious hospital care. It’s important to watch for these signs and act fast.
| Complication | Symptoms | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Nail loss (onychomadesis) | Fingernails or toenails shedding 6–8 weeks after the symptoms | Monitor; consult a doctor if new symptoms arise |
| Dehydration | Dry lips, fewer wet nappies, lethargy | Seek medical attention immediately |
| Serious complications | High fever persisting, seizures, difficulty breathing | Go to the nearest hospital |
In rare cases, EV71 strains can cause brain inflammation. If your child seems confused, has a stiff neck, or suddenly vomits, get emergency help. Pregnant women exposed to the virus should tell their doctor about the risk to their baby.
- Visit a GP if dehydration signs appear
- Call an ambulance for chest pain or breathing trouble
- Report high fever lasting over 48 hours to a doctor
Nail loss usually gets better on its own in months. But, serious problems are rare and need quick action. Always trust your gut if things get worse. Seek medical advice without delay.
Living Through and Beyond HFMD
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral infection that causes various symptoms. This disease is a common viral illness mainly affecting children, though foot-and-mouth disease usually refers to an animal illness. Hand, foot and mouth disease may cause symptoms like sores and fever usually appearing within days.
Learning about the symptoms and treatment helps families manage outbreaks. Prevention involves hygiene steps like frequent handwashing. The virus can linger in bodily fluids, so isolation is advised until blisters heal. Most recover fully within a week, with no lasting effects. Immunity forms against the specific virus strain, but reinfection is possible due to multiple strains.
These strategies protect your family now and build healthier habits long-term. HFMD, as a viral infection, reminds us that vigilance and preparedness are key to staying healthy.
FAQs
How long is hand, foot and mouth disease contagious?
Hand, foot and mouth disease is most contagious during the first week of illness, but the virus can remain in the body for weeks after the symptoms have disappeared. A person with hand, foot and mouth disease can spread the virus through close contact, respiratory droplets, and contact with blister fluid.
Can adults get hand, foot and mouth disease?
Yes, hand foot and mouth in adults is possible, although it mainly affects children under 10 years of age. Hand foot and mouth disease in adults often presents with milder symptoms or sometimes no symptoms at all. Adults may experience sore throat and mouth, slight fever, and less pronounced rash compared to children. However, hand foot mouth adults can still transmit the virus to others.
Is there a vaccine for hand, foot and mouth disease?
No, currently there is no vaccine available to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease. The best prevention methods include frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and disinfecting contaminated surfaces and items.
