If you have a child under the age of 5, you’ve probably heard of hand, foot, and mouth disease. This very common, very contagious virus is rarely serious, but unfortunately, comes with symptoms that can make your little one pretty uncomfortable for about a week to 10 days. Luckily, there are things you can do to help ease their pain.
Signs of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by one of a handful of viruses, particularly the Coxsackie virus. It causes a rash that appears as flat or slightly raised red spots with small, fluid-filled bubbles.
Despite its name, the rash can appear anywhere on your child’s body, but often on the palms/fingers and soles/toes. Fingernails and toenails may appear abnormal or even fall off weeks later. (Don’t worry, they will grow back!) Lesions also can appear in the mouth, causing a very painful sore throat that may affect your child’s willingness to eat or drink.
In addition to the rash, your child may also experience:
- A fever and flu-like symptoms
- Decreased appetite and energy
How to Keep Your Child Comfortable
Because hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by a virus, there is no specific medical treatment. During the week or so that the symptoms last, however, there are some things that are important to do:
- Keep your child hydrated.
- Serve cold liquids and frozen treats like popsicles to help soothe a sore throat and tongue, and prevent dehydration.
- Avoid giving your child acidic or spicy foods and drinks (like orange juice) that can make mouth sores more painful.
- Keep blisters clean and try to avoid touching them.
When to See Your Doctor
Most kids with hand, foot and mouth disease get better on their own, but there are times when you should contact your health-care provider:
- Your child is not drinking enough to stay hydrated
- Symptoms do not improve after 10 days
- Your child has a weakened immune system
- Symptoms are severe
- Your child is younger than 6 months of age
Preventing Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease spreads easily through person-to-person contact, respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes, and contact with contaminated surfaces. That’s why the virus is so common in school and daycare settings. Toy-sharing is a major way the virus spreads. Disinfecting toys and surfaces is a good way to lower the risk of infection.
Hand, foot and mouth disease is contagious as long as your child has a fever and active rash. Once the rash begins to crust over and the fever improves, the virus can no longer be spread.
As always, frequent hand-washing, especially before eating, is very important. This simple but often overlooked step is the best way to prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease, and keep your family safe. Although not as common, adults can get this virus too!