Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection that primarily affects infants and young children, though older children and adults can also contract it. This contagious illness is recognized by a characteristic rash and sores that appear on the body. While generally considered a mild condition, understanding its progression and how to manage it can provide comfort and guidance.
Understanding the Duration of HFMD
The duration of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease typically spans about 7 to 10 days, from the initial onset of symptoms to their resolution. The incubation period, which is the time between exposure to the virus and the appearance of the first symptoms, usually ranges from 3 to 6 days. During this phase, individuals may not show any signs of illness but can still be contagious.
The illness often begins with a fever, which generally lasts for 2 to 3 days, alongside other flu-like symptoms such as a sore throat and reduced appetite. Following this initial phase, the distinctive rash and mouth sores begin to develop, usually within one to two days after the fever starts. These skin manifestations and painful mouth sores typically persist for about a week.
While most cases resolve within this 7 to 10-day timeframe, some symptoms, like the rash, might take up to 10 days to fully disappear, and peeling of the skin can occur afterwards. The overall duration can be influenced by an individual’s immune response and age, with young children sometimes experiencing symptoms for a slightly longer period.
Identifying Common Symptoms
A day or two after the fever begins, characteristic painful sores usually appear inside the mouth, often on the tongue, gums, and inner cheeks. These sores initially look like small red spots that can blister and become quite uncomfortable, making eating and drinking difficult. Simultaneously, a rash develops, most commonly on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
This rash can also appear on the buttocks, knees, elbows, and sometimes other areas of the body. The spots are typically flat or slightly raised red marks, which may develop into small, fluid-filled blisters. While the rash is usually not itchy, some individuals, particularly adults, might experience itching.
Managing Discomfort During Illness
Since there is no specific medical treatment for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, managing discomfort focuses on alleviating symptoms as the illness runs its course. Maintaining proper hydration is important, especially because painful mouth sores can make swallowing difficult. Offering cool fluids like water, popsicles, or diluted juices can help soothe the throat and prevent dehydration.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help reduce fever and relieve pain from mouth sores and general discomfort. It is important to avoid aspirin in children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome. For mouth sores, numbing mouth sprays or rinses might provide temporary relief, making it easier to eat and drink.
A soft diet consisting of foods that are easy to swallow, such as yogurt, pureed fruits, or soups, can be beneficial. Avoiding acidic or spicy foods can prevent further irritation to the mouth sores. Keeping the rash areas clean and avoiding touching or picking at blisters can help prevent secondary infections.
Contagious Period and Prevention
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is highly contagious and spreads easily through various forms of contact. Individuals are most contagious during the first week of illness, even a few days before symptoms become visible. The virus can spread through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, contact with fluid from blisters, and through an infected person’s stool. The virus can also survive on surfaces like doorknobs and toys, leading to indirect transmission. Even after symptoms subside, the virus can remain in the body for several weeks, meaning a person might still be able to spread it.
Practicing frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water, especially after diaper changes or using the toilet, is a primary prevention method. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces also helps limit the spread of the virus.
When to Consult a Doctor
While Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is typically a mild illness that resolves on its own, certain situations warrant medical attention. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve after 7 to 10 days, or if they worsen significantly. Signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination, dry mouth, or lack of tears, require prompt evaluation. A healthcare professional should also be contacted if there is a persistent high fever, particularly above 102°F, or if the individual experiences severe pain from mouth sores that prevents adequate fluid intake. Neurological symptoms like severe headache, stiff neck, unusual drowsiness, or confusion indicate a need for immediate medical assessment.