Seeing your child in pain can be really worrisome. And when it comes with mouth pain, fever, and small rashes on the body, it can really mean something serious.
The early stage hand foot and mouth disease starts quietly. The early symptoms may include tiredness, poor appetite, a sore throat, or a mild fever before the rash and mouth ulcers become visible.
According to a CDC study, hand, foot, and mouth disease is among the most contagious diseases worldwide. It is a viral ailment that’s most common in children under 5.
The good news is that it can be treated, and in most cases, the symptoms are mild; the patient can get better in just 7-10 days with proper rest and medication.
What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a very common viral infection. It usually causes a mild fever, mouth sores and ulcers, and rashes on the hands and feet.
The disease is highly contagious and spreads easily, so if you are wondering is hand foot and mouth disease contagious, the direct answer is yes. It is mostly common in infants and young children. Although hand foot and mouth disease in adults is also possible.
It is important not to confuse this disease with foot-and-mouth disease, which happens in animals and is a completely different illness.
What Are the Causes of the Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
The hand foot and mouth disease cause is generally caused by a group of viruses called enteroviruses. The CDC notes that coxsackievirus A16 is the most common cause. At the same time, the other set of enteroviruses may also lead to infections.
The infection spreads from one person to another through nasal secretions, saliva, cough droplets, stool, and blister fluids. A child can easily get affected if they touch a contaminated surface and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.
If your kid goes to daycare, a creche, or school, you need to be extra cautious, as children stay in close contact with one another and share toys, bottles, and stationery. They may not wash their hands properly before eating or touching their face and mouth. HFMD can spread pretty quickly in these places.
Across the different stages of hand foot and mouth disease, the root cause remains the same: a very contagious viral infection that spreads through close contact and poor hygiene. This is why regular handwashing and surface cleaning are mandatory and should be taught to kids from a young age.
Common Symptoms of HFMD (Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease)
The most common hand foot and mouth disease symptoms include:
- Fever, which is often the first sign
- Sore throat and general discomfort
- Painful mouth ulcers or blisters
- Rashes on the hands and feet
- Skin blisters or eruptions inside the mouth
- Irritability and tiredness, especially in young kids
- Low appetite or reluctance to drink fluids
However, it must be noted that symptoms aren’t always the same for every kid who is affected. Some may have fever and sores, and others may have a more noticeable blister or mouth pain. So, it’s advisable to keep an eye on them if they show any signs of discomfort.
Treatment and Recovery for HFMD Patients
There is no specific hand foot and mouth disease treatment as such. However, doctors usually focus on easing the symptoms and keeping the patients comfortable.
- Rest is vital, and fluid intake is a must. Especially if the mouth sores are making eating and drinking painful, cold foods, soft meals, and soothing liquids are prescribed, as it may feel easier to take.
- Doctors also often advise age-appropriate medicines to reduce fever and relieve pain. Because viruses rather than bacteria cause the disease, antibiotics do not help.
- Most children and adults recover on their own within 7 to 10 days. And during this time, it is extremely important to maintain good hygiene to reduce the risk of spreading it at home.
- Parents and caregivers should watch for signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, reduced urination, crying without tears, and unusual sleepiness.
Medical advice is important if symptoms worsen or the fever remains high.
How to Prevent the Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
To avoid this disease, you must follow these simple steps and also ensure that the kids are following these too:
- Washing Hands Often: Wash hands with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, or helping a sick child. Kids should wash their hands often at school and daycare centres.
- Cleaning Shared Surfaces: Regularly disinfect toys, tables, doorknobs, and other commonly touched places that could carry the virus.
- Avoiding Close Contact: Do not hug, kiss, or come into any close contact with a kid who may be suffering from this disease.
- Not Sharing Personal Items: Keep your kids’ utensils, cups, and cutlery separate from their friends’ if you think they might get affected. Even for adults, this will lower the risk of spread.
- Keeping Your Sick Child at Home: If your child is suffering from HFMD, keep them home and do not send them to school or daycare until they are feeling good enough to return.
Read More: Tingling in Feet: What Does It Mean?
To Sum It Up
Even though hand, foot, and mouth disease can look alarming, most cases are mild and settle with proper rest and simple home care. The key is to notice the symptoms early and keep the child comfortable at home to prevent the infection from spreading.
However, if the symptoms persist and signs of fever, severe pain, or high fever remain, it is best to talk to a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Hand Foot and Mouth Disease
How do you treat hand-foot-and-mouth disease?
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is treated with rest, plenty of fluids, soft foods, and medicines to ease fever or pain, since there is no specific antiviral treatment for most cases.
What is the cause of hand-foot-and-mouth disease?
Enteroviruses cause hand-foot-and-mouth disease, most commonly coxsackievirus A16 and other related viruses.
Does poor hygiene cause HFMD?
No, HFMD is caused by a virus, but poor hand hygiene and contaminated surfaces can make it spread more easily.
