Hello, Parents and Anyone Who Cares for Children 🫶🏼
Today we’re going to be chatting about something that you’ve probably heard about if you have a child in your house who is going to crèche/pre-school. That is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease or HFMD.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral infection that most commonly infects children under the age of five. Its most common symptom is a rash on the hands, feet and (you won’t believe it,) the mouth. It’s super contagious and that’s why I said, if you have a young child they have probably had it before or will have it in the near future. This contagious virus will usually wreak havoc in your house for a week or two and then be on its merry way leaving few after-effects.
Sometimes the virus can enter the brain and cause viral meningitis, although according to one article in a medical journal – severe complications occur in only about 1.1% of cases.
While HFMD is common in children it can also affect us older generations.
What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
As I mentioned before, Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection. This severely annoying virus is caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses, with Coxsackievirus A16 being the most common cause. HFMD usually presents as fever, mouth sores, and a rash on the hands and feet, though the infection can spread to other parts of the body.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease spreads via contact with an already infected person's spit, mucus, or stool, which is why pre-schools are such common places for outbreaks.
Symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Red spots or rash on the hands, feet, and mouth
Fever
Sore throat
Irritability
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) symptoms often follow this timeline:
Day 1-2: Early Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Symptoms
Fever: The first sign of HFMD is often a mild to high fever, which lasts 1-2 days.
Sore Throat: Accompanied by a sore throat or discomfort when swallowing.
Fatigue: Children may feel tired or irritable during this time.
Loss of Appetite: The fever and discomfort can lead to a reduced desire to eat.
Day 3-4: Appearance of HFMD Sores and Rash
Mouth Sores: Painful red spots may develop in the mouth, turning into sores, particularly on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks.
Skin Rash: A red rash develops on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks, knees, or elbows. The rash may become blistered but typically isn't itchy.
Other Areas: Some children may have rashes around their knees or buttocks.
Day 5-7: Peak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Symptoms
Day 7-10: HFMD Recovery Phase
Fever Reduction: The fever typically subsides within a few days.
Blister Healing: Blisters start to heal without leaving scars.
Return of Appetite: As mouth sores heal, children begin to eat and drink normally again.
How Does HFMD Spread?
As I mentioned earlier, Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease is spread through bodily fluids and droplets such as when coughing, sneezing, or coming into contact with fluid from the blisters.
When is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Contagious?
HFMD is the most contagious during the first week, usually when symptoms like fever, mouth sores, and rash begin to appear. At this point, the virus is already present in bodily fluids.
What is Prolonged Shedding in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
Prolonged shedding means that even after symptoms of HFMD disappear, the virus continues to be shed in the stool for several weeks, meaning children can still spread HFMD even when they seem to have recovered.
Importance of hygiene in HFMD prevention
As I’m sure you’ve realized by now, HFMD is incredibly contagious and so easy it pick up. Whether it be from bathing your child or them coughing in your face (we all know they do this), it’s bound to spread around the house. The best way to prevent the spread of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is by making sure you have good hygiene practices.
Make sure to wash your hands before and after meals or feeding the kids, and before and after going to the toilet or changing nappies. Disinfect surfaces, shared areas, and toys often. Try to keep the infected person isolated and do not share any personal items such as cutlery or towels unless they have been thoroughly washed. This may reduce the risk of spreading Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease to other family members.
Treatment for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Because HFMD is viral there is no specific treatment. This disease is what we call “self-limiting”, which means that it works itself out of the system with time. The best way to care for a person who has Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is what we call symptomatic treatment. This means that if they have a symptom we treat that specifically. For example, if your child developed a fever from HFMD, you would give them medication to reduce the fever. If they had pain you would provide pain medication, and so on.
Home Remedies to Soothe Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Sores
While there is no treatment for HFMD, there are some great home remedies to help ease the symptoms.
Ice lollies – the coldness helps to reduce the pain in the mouth.
Mouth rinses may help reduce the mouth’s pain in older children. Use salt water or a baking soda mix.
Cold compress – apply a cold damp cloth to areas with rash to help soothe the skin.
Choose good food – avoid acidic food and give children soft foods that are easily chewed.
When to Seek Medical Help For HDMD
If the symptoms are worsening or if your child has difficulty swallowing, persistent high fever, or signs of dehydration (such as decreased urination, dry mouth, or lethargy), it’s important to consult a healthcare professional – you can make an appointment to see us here.
When Should You Be Concerned?
In most cases, Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is mild and resolves on its own. However, certain symptoms can indicate the need for medical attention. One of the first red flags is a persistent fever. If the fever lasts more than three days or climbs above 39°C, it could signal a more serious issue. This type of prolonged or high fever may not respond well to the usual medications, raising concern for complications that require professional care.
Another concern with HFMD is dehydration. Children often refuse to eat or drink due to the painful mouth sores. If a child is not urinating frequently, seems tired, or has noticeably dry lips, they may be dehydrated. Dehydration in young children can escalate quickly, and in some cases, intravenous fluids might be needed to restore proper hydration.
It’s also important to monitor for unusual symptoms such as difficulty breathing or extreme lethargy. If a child with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is unusually drowsy, overly irritable, or showing signs of laboured breathing, these could be early signs of more severe complications. Though rare, HFMD can sometimes lead to viral meningitis or encephalitis, both of which require immediate medical attention.
Lastly, keep an eye on the rash. While the rash associated with HFMD is generally mild, a worsening or infected rash can be a sign of trouble. If the skin becomes unusually red, swollen, or begins to ooze pus, it may indicate a bacterial infection that needs antibiotics. Staying alert to these signs can help prevent the condition from escalating into something more serious.
How to Prevent Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Preventing HFMD in daycare starts with good hygiene and keeping things clean. One of the best HFMD prevention tips is simple—handwashing. Kids and caregivers should wash their hands regularly, especially after things like changing diapers, wiping noses, or using the bathroom. It’s one of the easiest ways to stop the spread of HFMD in a daycare setting, where kids are constantly in close contact.
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and toys is another key step. Things like tables, toys, and any other shared objects should be wiped down often. Even shared items like towels or bedding need regular washing. Keeping the environment clean goes a long way in preventing HFMD from spreading to other kids.
If a child starts showing symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, like a rash or fever, they should stay home until they’re better. Daycares can help by having clear policies that remind parents to keep sick kids at home. This is one of the simplest ways to prevent an outbreak.
Teaching kids habits like covering their mouths when they cough or sneeze also helps stop the spread of HFMD. These small steps may not completely prevent the illness, but they can definitely make a big difference in keeping it from spreading through a daycare.
Conclusion
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in children is generally mild, but knowing how to manage it can make a big difference. We’ve covered some essential HFMD treatment tips, including keeping kids hydrated, managing their symptoms at home, and watching for signs that might need medical attention. Preventing the spread, especially in settings like daycares, involves simple practices like handwashing, disinfecting surfaces, and keeping sick kids home until they’re better.
We’d love to hear about your experiences with HFMD or answer any questions you might have. Feel free to share your story or ask for advice in the comments below.
If you’re unsure about any symptoms or have concerns about your child’s health, it’s always best to consult your pediatrician. You can also schedule an appointment to get a proper diagnosis or learn more about treatment options. Taking these steps can ensure your child gets the right care and stays healthy.
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