Hand Foot and Mouth Disease in Children

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease in Children

Hand foot and mouth disease is an illness that is caused by a virus. The illness causes a sore throat, sores in the mouth, fever, and a rash on the hands and feet. It is usually not serious. Most children get better within 1–2 weeks.

This illness can spread easily (is contagious). It can be spread through contact with:

  • Snot (nasal discharge) of an infected person.
  • Spit (saliva) of an infected person.
  • Poop (stool) of an infected person.

Follow these instructions at home:

Managing mouth pain and discomfort

  • Do not use products that contain benzocaine (including numbing gels) to treat teething or mouth pain in children who are younger than 2 years old. These products may cause a rare but serious blood condition.
  • If your child is old enough to rinse and spit, have your child rinse his or her mouth with a salt-water mixture 3–4 times a day or as needed. To make a salt-water mixture, completely dissolve ½–1 tsp of salt in 1 cup of warm water. This can help to reduce pain from the mouth sores. Your child’s doctor may also recommend other rinse solutions to treat mouth sores.
  • Take these actions to help reduce your child’s discomfort when he or she is eating or drinking:
    • Have your child eat soft foods.
    • Have your child avoid foods and drinks that are salty, spicy, or acidic, like pickles and orange juice.
    • Give your child cold food and drinks. These may include water, sport drinks, milk, milkshakes, frozen ice pops, slushies, and sherbets.
    • If breastfeeding or bottle-feeding seems to cause pain:
      • Feed your baby with a syringe instead.
      • Feed your young child with a cup, spoon, or syringe instead.

Helping with pain, itching, and discomfort in rash areas

  • Keep your child cool and out of the sun. Sweating and being hot can make itching worse.
  • Cool baths can help. Try adding baking soda or dry oatmeal to the water. Do not bathe your child in hot water.
  • Put cold, wet cloths (cold compresses) on itchy areas, as told by your child’s doctor.
  • Use calamine lotion as told by your child’s doctor. This is an over-the-counter lotion that helps with itchiness.
  • Make sure your child does not scratch or pick at the rash. To help prevent scratching:
    • Keep your child’s fingernails clean and cut short.
    • Have your child wear soft gloves or mittens when he or she sleeps, if scratching is a problem.

General instructions

  • Have your child rest and return to normal activities as told by his or her doctor. Ask your child’s doctor what activities are safe for your child.
  • Give or apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s doctor.
    • Do not give your child aspirin.
    • Talk with your child’s doctor if you have questions about benzocaine. This is a type of pain medicine that often comes as a gel to be rubbed on the body. Benzocaine may cause a serious blood condition in some children.
  • Wash your hands and your child’s hands often. If you cannot use soap and water, use hand sanitizer.
  • Keep your child away from child care programs, schools, or other group settings for a few days or until the fever is gone.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

  • Your child’s symptoms do not get better within 2 weeks.
  • Your child’s symptoms get worse.
  • Your child has pain that is not helped by medicine.
  • Your child is very fussy.
  • Your child has trouble swallowing.
  • Your child is drooling a lot.
  • Your child has sores or blisters on the lips or outside of the mouth.
  • Your child has a fever for more than 3 days.

Get help right away if:

  • Your child has signs of body fluid loss (dehydration):
    • Peeing (urinating) only very small amounts or peeing fewer than 3 times in 24 hours.
    • Pee (urine) that is very dark.
    • Dry mouth, tongue, or lips.
    • Decreased tears or sunken eyes.
    • Dry skin.
    • Fast breathing.
    • Decreased activity or being very sleepy.
    • Poor color or pale skin.
    • Fingertips taking more than 2 seconds to turn pink again after a gentle squeeze.
    • Weight loss.
  • Your child who is younger than 3 months has a temperature of 100°F (38°C) or higher.
  • Your child has a bad headache or a stiff neck.
  • Your child has a change in behavior.
  • Your child has chest pain or has trouble breathing.

Summary

  • Hand, foot, and mouth disease is an illness that is caused by a virus. It causes a sore throat, sores in the mouth, fever, and a rash on the hands and feet.
  • Most children get better within 1–2 weeks.
  • Give or apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s doctor.
  • Call a doctor if your child’s symptoms get worse or do not get better within 2 weeks.
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