Understanding Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

What causes HFMD?

HFMD is most often caused by the coxsackievirus A16. It can also be caused by other viruses in the same family as coxsackievirus. HFMD is spread in one of these ways:

• Breathing infected air. The virus can enter the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

• Contact with contaminated items. Some things may have traces of stool from an infected person. This can occur when an infected person doesn’t wash their hands after having a bowel movement or changing a diaper.

• Contact with fluid from the blisters. The blisters are part of the rash. This type of transmission is rare.

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

Symptoms usually appear 24 to 72 hours after contact. They include:

• A rash of small, red bumps or blisters on the hands, feet, or buttocks.

• Mouth sores that often occur on the gums, tongue, inside the cheeks, and in the back of the throat (mouth sores may not occur in some children).

• A sore throat.

• A rash over the rest of the body.

• A fever.

• Loss of appetite.

• Pain when swallowing.

• Drooling.

How is HFMD diagnosed?

HFMD is diagnosed by how the rash and mouth sores look. The doctor will ask about you or your child’s symptoms and health history. They will also examine you or your child. You will be told if any tests are needed. These are done to rule out other infections.

How is HFMD treated?

There is no specific treatment for HFMD. But there are things you can do at home to help relieve some symptoms. The illness lasts about 7 to 10 days. Your child is no longer contagious 24 hours after the fever is gone. You can take steps to relieve symptoms and prevent dehydration while you or your child are sick.

Mouth pain

• Use ibuprofen or acetaminophen to treat pain or discomfort. Or use the medicine prescribed by the doctor for pain. Talk with your child's doctor about the dose and when to give the medicine (schedule). Do not give ibuprofen to a baby younger than 6 months. Do not give aspirin to children or teens unless your child’s doctor says it is safe. Aspirin can put your child at risk for Reye syndrome, a rare but serious condition.

• If your child is older than 6 years, they may rinse their mouth with saltwater to help reduce pain. Mix ¼ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Have them swish and spit 2 to 3 times per day.

Stay hydrated

• Follow a soft diet with plenty of fluids to prevent too much fluid loss (dehydration). It's OK to not want to eat solid foods for a few days, as long as you are drinking plenty of fluids.

• Drink cool fluids and eat frozen treats such as sherbet. These are soothing and easier to take.

• Avoid citrus juices such as orange juice or lemonade and salty or spicy foods. These may cause more pain in the mouth sores.

When to get medical care

Contact the doctor if you or your child has:

• A mouth sore that doesn’t go away within  14 days.

• Increased mouth pain.

• Trouble swallowing.

• Neck pain.

• Chest pain.

• Trouble breathing.

• Weakness.

• A lack of energy.

• Signs of an infection around the rash or mouth sores, such as pus, fluid leaking, or swelling.

• Signs of too much fluid loss, such as very dark or little urine, excessive thirst, dry mouth, dizziness.

• A fever that lasts longer than 3 days (see Fever and children below).

• A seizure.

Fever and children

Use a digital thermometer to check your child’s temperature. Don’t use a mercury thermometer. There are different kinds and uses of digital thermometers. They include:

• Rectal. For children younger than 3 years, a rectal temperature is the most accurate.

• Forehead (temporal). This works for children age 3 months and older. If a child under 3 months old has signs of illness, this can be used for a first pass. The doctor may want to confirm with a rectal temperature.

• Ear (tympanic). Ear temperatures are accurate after 6 months of age, but not before.

• Armpit (axillary). This is the least reliable but may be used for a first pass to check a child of any age with signs of illness. The doctor may want to confirm with a rectal temperature.

• Mouth (oral). Don’t use a thermometer in your child’s mouth until they are at least 4 years old.

Use a rectal thermometer with care. Follow the product maker’s directions for correct use. Insert it gently. Label it and make sure it’s not used in the mouth. It may pass on germs from the stool. If you don’t feel OK using a rectal thermometer, ask the doctor what type to use instead. When you talk with any doctor about your child’s fever, tell them which type you used.

Below is when to call the doctor if your child has a fever. Your child’s doctor may give you different numbers. Follow their instructions.

When to call a doctor about your child’s fever

For a baby under 3 months old:

• First, ask your child’s doctor how you should take the temperature.

• Rectal or forehead: 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

• Armpit: 99°F (37.2°C) or higher

• A fever of ___________as advised by the doctor

For a child age 3 months to 36 months (3 years):

• Rectal or forehead: 102°F (38.9°C) or higher

• Ear (only for use over age 6 months): 102°F (38.9°C) or higher

• A fever of ___________ as advised by the doctor

In these cases:

• Armpit temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher in a child of any age

• Temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher in a child of any age

• A fever of ___________ as advised by the doctor

How can HFMD be prevented?

HFMD is very contagious. If you or your child have HFMD, follow these steps to keep from passing it to others:

• Wash your hands well with soap and clean, running water. Teach your child to wash their hands with soap and clean, running water often. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Handwashing is very important before eating or handling food, after using the bathroom, and after touching the rash. A child is very contagious during the first week of the illness. They can still be contagious for days to weeks after the illness goes away.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared items, such as toys and doorknobs.

• Don't share cups, utensils, or napkins. Don't share personal items such as towels and toothbrushes.

• Ask your child's doctor how long your child should avoid school, daycare, and playing with others. Because HFMD is normally mild, most kids can go to daycare or school as long as they have no fever, no uncontrolled drooling from mouth sores, and feel well enough to join activities. But always check with your daycare or school for their guidelines.

If you are well but around others with HFMD, avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth with unwashed hands. Do not hug or kiss someone who has HFMD and don't share personal items.