How to care for children with hand, foot and mouth disease

How to Care for Children with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common childhood illness caused by a virus. It is characterized by a fever, sore throat, and a rash on the hands, feet, and mouth. HFMD is usually mild, but it can be more serious in young children.

Symptoms of HFMD

The symptoms of HFMD usually appear 3-7 days after exposure to the virus. The most common symptoms include:

Fever

Sore throat

Rash on the hands, feet, and mouth

Loss of appetite

Fatigue

Irritability

The rash associated with HFMD is typically red and blister-like. It can appear on the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, and inside the mouth. The blisters can be painful and may break open and form sores.

Treatment for HFMD

There is no specific cure for HFMD. Treatment is focused on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Treatment may include:

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen

Gargling with salt water

Drinking plenty of fluids

Resting

In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

Prevention of HFMD

HFMD is spread through contact with an infected person's saliva, mucus, or feces. The virus can be spread through coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated objects.

There is no vaccine available to prevent HFMD. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your child's risk of infection, including:

Washing your hands frequently with soap and water

Avoiding contact with people who are sick

Disinfecting surfaces that may be contaminated with the virus

Keeping your child home from school or daycare if they are sick

Complications of HFMD

In most cases, HFMD is a mild illness. However, complications can occur, including:

Dehydration

Meningitis

Encephalitis

Paralysis

Dehydration is the most common complication of HFMD. It can occur if your child is not drinking enough fluids. Symptoms of dehydration include:

Dry mouth

Sunken eyes

Decreased urination

Fatigue

Irritability

Meningitis is a serious infection of the membranes that line the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms of meningitis include:

Severe headache

Fever

Stiff neck

Nausea and vomiting

Sensitivity to light

Confusion

Encephalitis is a serious infection of the brain. Symptoms of encephalitis include:

Fever

Headache

Seizures

Confusion

Paralysis

Paralysis is a rare but serious complication of HFMD. It can occur if the virus damages the nerves in the legs or arms. Symptoms of paralysis include:

Weakness in the legs or arms

Difficulty walking or moving

Numbness or tingling in the legs or arms

Caring for a Child with HFMD

If your child has HFMD, there are some things you can do to help them feel more comfortable and prevent complications, including:

Give your child plenty of fluids to drink.

Offer your child over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Gargling with salt water can help to relieve sore throat pain.

Keep your child home from school or daycare until they are fever-free for 24 hours.

Disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with the virus.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

When to Seek Medical Attention

In most cases, HFMD is a mild illness. However, you should seek medical attention if your child has any of the following symptoms:

A fever that lasts for more than 24 hours

A headache that is severe or does not go away

Stiff neck

Nausea and vomiting

Sensitivity to light

Confusion

Weakness in the legs or arms

Difficulty walking or moving

Numbness or tingling in the legs or arms

HFMD is a common childhood illness. It is usually mild, but it can be more serious in young children. If your child has HFMD, there are some things you can do to help them feel more comfortable and prevent complications.

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