Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: What Parents Need to Know

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common childhood illness that can look a little scary but is usually mild and short-lived. It most often affects babies and children under 5 years old, though older kids and even adults can sometimes catch it too.

 

HFMD is caused by a group of viruses called enteroviruses, most often coxsackievirus. As the name suggests, the hallmark symptoms include:

 

• • Fever (often the first sign)
  • Sore throat and irritability in young children
  • Small painful sores inside the mouth (tongue, gums, cheeks, back of the throat)
  • Skin rash with tiny red spots, sometimes blisters, usually on the palms, soles, and occasionally the buttocks
  • In some children, Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease can cause fingernails or toenails to peel or fall off a few weeks after recovery. This is called onychomadesis and happens when the virus temporarily pauses nail growth. It looks concerning but isn’t painful, and the nails grow back normally within a few months.

 

It spreads easily, especially in daycare and school settings, through saliva, nasal secretions, stool, and even contact with contaminated surfaces.

 

How to Treat It

 

There’s no specific medicine that cures HFMD, but the good news is most children get better on their own within 7 to 10 days. Treatment focuses on keeping your child comfortable and hydrated:

 

• • Relieve pain and fever: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help.
  • Benadryl and Maalox mixture: Add 1/2 tsp Benadryl to 1/2 tsp of Maalox. In children under the age of 4 place the mixture in the front of mouth before meals. In children ages 4 and up mix equal amounts of Benadryl and Maalox and use as a mouthwash before meals.
  • Keep fluids flowing: Offer cold drinks, smoothies, popsicles, or soup to soothe sore mouths. Avoid acidic drinks (like orange juice) that can sting.
  • Soft foods: Yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes are usually easier to swallow than crunchy or spicy foods.
  • Rest: Encourage plenty of downtime so the immune system can do its job.

 

When to Call Your Pediatrician

 

Most cases are mild, but call your child’s doctor if you notice:

 

• • Signs of dehydration (fewer wet diapers, dry mouth, no tears when crying)
  • Persistent high fever
  • Trouble breathing or swallowing
  • Symptoms lasting longer than 10 days
  • Your child is very young, has a weakened immune system, or seems unusually unwell

 

Can You Prevent It?

 

While there’s no vaccine for HFMD, you can lower the chances of spreading it:

 

• • Wash hands often with soap and water
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and toys
  • Teach kids to cover coughs and sneezes
  • Keep your child home until fever is gone and blisters have started to heal

 

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While Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease can be uncomfortable, it usually passes quickly with supportive care at home. If you’re concerned about your child’s symptoms, our team at One Family Pediatrics is here to help.

 

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