QWhat is hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)?

A
Kruti Gandhi, MPH, PA-C

Kruti Gandhi, MPH, PA-C

DermSurgery Associates
Pearland, TX

Medically reviewed on 08.01.24 by Richard Winkelmann, DO

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious viral infection commonly affecting young children. It is characterized by a combination of symptoms including fever and a rash of blisters that typically appear on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth.

Symptoms of HFMD

HFMD generally manifests with flu-like symptoms about 3 to 10 days after exposure to the virus. The typical progression of the disease includes:

  • Initial Symptoms:
    • Fever
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Sore throat
    • Aching limbs
    • Lethargy
    • Loss of appetite
  • Oral Symptoms:
    • After 1-2 days, small red spots appear in the mouth, which develop into painful blisters
    • In young children, the disease may cause difficulty swallowing, leading to increased drooling
    • Blisters in the mouth may burst, causing discomfort and bad breath
  • Rash Symptoms:
    • A rash of red spots and sometimes itching blisters can appear on the hands, feet, and sometimes on the knees, buttocks, and other body parts
    • The rash may appear several hours to 1-2 days after the mouth rash

Questions to ask if you suspect HFMD

  • When did the symptoms first appear?
  • Has the patient had a fever? If so, what was the highest recorded temperature, and how long did it last?
  • Have you noticed any rashes or red spots on the hands, feet, buttocks, or around the mouth?
  • When did the rash appear, and has it spread or changed in appearance?
  • Is there any soreness or pain in the mouth or throat?
  • Have you observed any ulcers or blisters in the mouth or on the tongue?
  • Has the patient shown signs of discomfort, irritability, or loss of appetite?
  • Has there been any fatigue or lethargy?
  • Has the patient been exposed to anyone with HFMD, or been in environments like daycare or school?
  • How old is the patient? (HFMD is most common in children under the age of 5)

Remedies and care for HFMD

To support recovery from HFMD and alleviate symptoms, consider the following remedies:

  • Fever Management
    • Use antipyretics (fever reducers) as recommended by a healthcare provider
    • Apply wet leg compresses to help manage fever
  • Hydration
    • Ensure adequate hydration with water and electrolyte solutions
  • Diet
    • Offer soft foods like pureed foods, yogurt, and soup to make eating easier
    • Avoid acidic foods and drinks, such as fruit juices, which can worsen mouth pain
  • Mouth care
    • Provide popsicles to cool the oral mucosa and soothe discomfort
    • Consider using coconut oil to help with blisters and promote healing
  • Topical care
    • Use anti-inflammatory topical treatments to help dry out blisters

By addressing these aspects, you can manage HFMD symptoms effectively and support the healing process.

References:

  1. Guerra AM, Orille E, Waseem M. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. [Updated 2023 Mar 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431082
  2. Woodland DL. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. Viral Immunol. 2019 May;32(4):159. doi: 10.1089/vim.2019.29037.dlw. Epub 2019 Apr 30. PMID: 31038400.