Health A-Z

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a contagious viral infection that commonly affects infants and young children. Here's an overview of its symptoms, treatment plan, and diagnosis testing.

1. Fever: HFMD often begins with a mild fever, usually lasting 1-2 days.
2. Sore throat: Sore throat and discomfort during swallowing are common early symptoms.
3. Rash: Small red spots or sores may develop on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and sometimes the buttocks. These spots can progress to painful blisters or ulcers.
4. Mouth sores: Painful sores or blisters may develop inside the mouth, particularly on the tongue, gums, and inner cheeks.
5. Loss of appetite: Children with HFMD may experience decreased appetite due to mouth pain.
6. Irritability: Infants and young children may become fussy or irritable due to discomfort from mouth sores and other symptoms.

1. Symptomatic Treatment: Treatment for HFMD is primarily supportive and focuses on relieving symptoms. This may include:
   • Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and alleviate discomfort from mouth sores.
   • Hydration: Encourage fluid intake to prevent dehydration, especially if mouth sores make eating and drinking difficult.
   • Rest: Ensure the child gets plenty of rest to aid in recovery and reduce fatigue.
2. Avoidance of Irritating Foods: Offer soft, cool, and easy-to-eat foods to minimize irritation to mouth sores. Avoid acidic, spicy, or rough-textured foods that can exacerbate discomfort.
3. Isolation and Hygiene Measures: Since HFMD is highly contagious, it's essential to practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus. This includes frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and disinfecting contaminated surfaces and objects.

1. Clinical Presentation: HFMD is typically diagnosed based on its characteristic symptoms, including fever, sore throat, and rash with mouth sores.
2. Physical Examination: A healthcare provider may perform a physical examination to assess the presence of skin rash and mouth sores.
3. Laboratory Testing: In some cases, a throat swab or stool sample

may be collected and tested for the presence of the viruses that cause HFMD, primarily enteroviruses such as coxsackievirus A16 and enterovirus 71. However, laboratory testing is not always necessary for diagnosis, especially in mild cases where symptoms are typical.

In most cases, HFMD is a mild and self-limiting illness that resolves on its own within 7-10 days without specific treatment. However, complications such as dehydration or secondary bacterial infections may occur, particularly in severe cases or in individuals with weakened immune systems. It's essential to monitor the child's symptoms closely and seek medical attention if there are signs of dehydration (e.g., decreased urination, dry mouth, sunken eyes) or if symptoms worsen or persist.