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. TreatmentSince 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 InHow do you get rid of hand, foot, and mouth disease fast?There's no specific treatment for hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Symptoms of hand-foot-and-mouth disease usually clear up in 7 to 10 days. A topical oral anesthetic may help relieve the pain of mouth sores.
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.
Should you put anything on handKids with blisters on their hands or feet should keep the areas clean and uncovered. Wash the skin with lukewarm soap and water, and pat dry. If a blister pops, dab on a bit of antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection and cover it with a small bandage.
What is the best treatment for foot and mouth disease?HFMD is a mild illness that resolves within a week. There is no specific treatment and usually none is required. Use paracetamol (not aspirin) as directed for fever and any discomfort. Offer plenty of fluids, but avoid orange juice, which is acidic and may cause pain with mouth ulcers.
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