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Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common childhood illness caused by a virus. It easily spreads from person to person
(contagious) when someone comes in contact with the body fluids of an infected person. This can happen by: It is most common in young children under age 5 years, but teenagers or adults may
also get the virus. Most outbreaks occur in the summer and fall. Symptoms of HFMD usually go away without treatment in 5 to 7 days. The early symptoms of HFMD are much like a common cold. A day or two after the fever, you might see: After the rash has healed, the skin may peel; but this is harmless. Since
HFMD is a virus, antibiotics will not help. The following may help your child feel better: To soothe a sore throat:
When to Call the DoctorCall the doctor if your child has:
PreventionThere is no vaccine to prevent HFMD. The virus spreads easiest during the first week the person is sick. It can stay in the body for weeks after your child feels better and still be a problem to others. To prevent spreading HFMD:
When to return to school or daycareTell the daycare or the school that your child has Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease. It is important for the school personnel to know so staff and parents can be told to watch for symptoms. Your child should stay home from school or childcare until he or she has no fever for 24 hours and the mouth sores and open blisters have healed. Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (PDF) HH-I -211 11/01, Revised 8/18 Copyright 2001, Nationwide Children’s Hospital You Might Also Be Interested InWhat medicine is best for handThere is no specific medical treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease. You can take steps to relieve symptoms and prevent dehydration while you or your child are sick.
What antibiotics treat hand, foot and mouth disease?Since HFMD is a virus, antibiotics will not help. The following may help your child feel better: For children older than 6 months, give acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) to help with the headache, fever, and sore throat.
What ointment is good for hand, foot and mouth disease?There is no medication or antibiotic that will cure HFMD. However you can try these home remedies to help with your child's discomfort: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve discomfort. Topical ointments, such as zinc oxide or petroleum jelly, to protect and heal blisters.
Do you need a prescription for handDealing with the disease
There is no prescription treatment for hand, foot and mouth disease. The virus must run its course, with patients typically starting to improve within seven to 10 days. To ease mouth pain and fever, El Sakr recommends acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin).
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