Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection primarily affects infants and young children, though adults can contract it. It is typically caused by coxsackievirus, a member of the enterovirus family. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, and a characteristic rash with blisters on hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks, plus painful mouth sores. HFMD spreads through contact with respiratory droplets, fluid from blisters, or fecal matter from an infected person.
Typical Duration of Sores
HFMD sores typically resolve within 7 to 10 days. Initial symptoms, such as fever and sore throat, appear 3 to 6 days after exposure. Painful sores, starting as small red spots, develop in the mouth (tongue, gums, inner cheeks), often transforming into blisters. These oral lesions can make eating and drinking uncomfortable.
A rash of red spots or small, fluid-filled blisters emerges on the palms and soles, often a few days after the fever. This rash may appear on the buttocks, arms, and legs. While fever usually subsides within a few days, the skin rash and mouth sores generally peak around days 4 to 7. Blisters dry and heal without scars, though skin peeling on hands and feet can sometimes occur after the rash resolves. Recovery times vary; children younger than two may experience symptoms for a slightly longer duration.
Managing Sore Discomfort
There is no specific medical treatment for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, but managing discomfort from the sores is important for supportive care. Over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) can help alleviate fever and general pain. Avoid giving aspirin to children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
For painful mouth sores, offer cool fluids, like water or diluted rehydration solutions, to prevent dehydration. Cold items such as ice pops, ice cream, or smoothies can provide soothing relief and encourage fluid intake. Avoiding acidic foods and drinks, like fruit juice or soda, as well as hot, spicy, or salty foods, can help minimize irritation to the oral lesions.
Maintain good hygiene for skin lesions. Keeping affected areas clean and dry can reduce the risk of secondary infections. While most blisters do not require special treatment, if a blister pops, it can be gently cleaned.
When to Consult a Doctor
Although Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is typically a mild illness that resolves on its own, certain signs warrant medical attention. Consult a healthcare provider for signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, sunken eyes, reduced urination, or a lack of tears. Dehydration can occur if painful mouth sores make it difficult to drink enough fluids.
Medical consultation is recommended if a high fever persists for more than three days, or if symptoms worsen or do not show improvement within the expected 7 to 10-day timeframe. Seek medical advice for unusually painful or extensive sores, or if the child appears sluggish, unusually irritable, or develops severe complications like a stiff neck, severe headache, or difficulty breathing. Parents of infants under six months or children with weakened immune systems should also consult a doctor.