HAND-FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

Overview & Facts

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is an illness caused by a virus called an enterovirus. This may bring sores in or on the mouth and on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks and legs. The sores may be painful but usually doesn’t last more than a week or so. The illness is more common to children than adults and may occur at any time of the year.

The virus can be spread through coughing and sneezing. The disease is contagious that it’s not impossible for a community to have an outbreak of this disease.

Types & Symptoms

Symptoms of the hand-foot-and-mouth disease may include:

  • Feeling tired
  • Sore Throat
  • Fever of around 101°F (38°C) to 103°F (39°C)
  • Sores or Blisters on the Mouth, Hands, Feet and sometimes Buttocks

In some cases there are no symptoms, or they are very mild. Parents may get the disease from their children and not even realize it.

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose a hand-foot-and-mouth disease, the doctor will basically check the symptoms and the sores and blisters. There is usually no need for any lab tests.

 

TREATMENT

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is usually treated at home since it resolves on its own after a few days.

Some of the home care you can use to relieve the symptoms are:

  • Drinking plenty of cool fluids to help with sore throat. Cold foods such as flavored ice pops and ice cream also may help.
  • Don’t take any acidic or spicy foods and drinks, such as salsa or orange juice. These foods can make mouth sores more painful.
  • Take Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil) to manage pain and ease fever. Do not use aspirin, especially to children because it has been linked to Reye’s syndrome, a serious illness.

If you are already infected, minimize your contact with other people and always wash your hands to prevent it from spreading.

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