Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness, common in young children but can affect adults. It causes characteristic skin and mouth symptoms. While HFMD usually resolves within 7 to 10 days, managing symptoms, especially skin manifestations, improves comfort. This article explores HFMD skin symptoms and topical treatments for discomfort.
Recognizing Skin Symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
HFMD causes a distinctive rash and sores. The rash appears as small, flat or raised red spots that can become fluid-filled blisters. These lesions commonly appear on the palms, soles, buttocks, groin, arms, and legs.
Painful sores or ulcers also develop inside the mouth, often on the tongue, gums, and inner cheeks. These mouth sores make eating and swallowing difficult. While the skin rash is usually not itchy, blisters can be painful or tender, requiring soothing topical treatments.
Topical Ointments and Creams for Symptom Relief
Topical treatments can relieve HFMD skin symptoms. Soothing emollients, like petroleum jelly or unscented moisturizing creams, hydrate irritated skin and promote healing after blisters dry. They create a protective barrier, reducing friction and discomfort. These creams can also help with skin peeling that sometimes occurs after the rash heals.
For itching, which can occasionally occur, calamine lotion is recommended. It helps dry weeping blisters and provides a cooling sensation. For severe itching or inflammation, a healthcare provider might suggest topical hydrocortisone cream.
Pain-relieving gels or sprays are used for painful mouth sores. Products with lidocaine or benzocaine can temporarily numb the area, making eating and drinking easier. Benzocaine-containing sprays are not recommended for children under two due to potential risks. Oral gels or rinses require caution and medical consultation, especially for young children, to ensure proper application and prevent accidental ingestion.
Application Best Practices and Precautions
Proper application of topical treatments ensures effectiveness and safety. Always wash hands thoroughly before and after applying creams or ointments to prevent virus spread or secondary infections. Gently clean and pat dry the affected skin area before application to avoid irritation.
Apply a thin layer to the rash or blisters, using only the amount recommended on the label or by a healthcare professional. Patch test new products on a small, unaffected skin area to identify potential allergic reactions, especially for sensitive skin. Avoid applying creams or ointments to broken or infected skin unless advised by a doctor, as this could worsen the condition or introduce new infections. Store products according to instructions, typically in a cool, dry place, and out of reach of children.
Supportive Home Care Beyond Topical Treatments
Beyond topical treatments, several home care measures can help manage HFMD symptoms. Maintaining hydration is important, as painful mouth sores can discourage drinking. Offer cool fluids like water, milk, or diluted broth, and avoid acidic beverages like fruit juice, to make swallowing more comfortable. Ice pops and cold foods like yogurt can soothe the throat and provide hydration.
Offer soft, bland foods to minimize irritation to mouth sores. Avoid hot, spicy, or salty foods. Manage fever and discomfort with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Follow age-appropriate dosing instructions and never give aspirin to children due to Reye’s syndrome risk.
Ensure adequate rest for recovery. Keep affected areas clean and dry to prevent secondary infections. Cool baths can also provide soothing skin relief.
Situations Requiring Medical Attention
While HFMD is usually mild and resolves on its own, certain signs require medical evaluation. Seek medical attention if a high fever persists over three days or is accompanied by shivering. Signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination, dry mouth, or lack of tears, warrant immediate medical consultation.
Difficulty swallowing or eating leading to poor fluid intake requires medical assessment. Contact a healthcare provider if severe pain or discomfort is not relieved by home care, or if symptoms worsen or do not improve after 7 to 10 days. Blisters or rashes showing signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pus, or warmth, also need medical review. Any neurological symptoms like a stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, unusual sleepiness, or seizures should prompt urgent medical attention.