What are Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection that can be caused by one of two viruses Coxsackie’s or Enteroviurs. This is characterized by blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth and in young children the buttocks is affected. These blistered areas are specific to these areas only and can be very painful especially in the mouth as the child tries to eat. Some of the blisters may break open and leave ulcerations in the mouth.

This condition is usually found primarily in the summer months and early autumn.

How do you become infected?

Another person can infect you; in schools it is highly contagious. It is spread by saliva, blisters that are open, stool, skin to skin and on inanimate objects that an infected person has touched. The virus can sustain itself outside of the body, therefore leaving it open to infect another via doorknobs, toothbrush, toys, pencils, pens etc.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Signs and symptoms are very hard to define; they are very non-specific until the blisters actually appear.

The child may have a slight fever up to 3 days before a breakout, complain of stomachache, and feel restless, irritable, agitated, or very mild cold symptoms. After the three-day the blisters will appear, like stated above they are on the hands, feet and mouth.

What is the incubation period?

The child is infective as long as he or she is ill and has usually 3 to 7 days. The virus can stay in the saliva of an infective child even after the illness is over, and much longer in the stool.

Treatment

Depending on what your physician recommends there is no antibiotic that can be given. Some physicians do treat with Zovirax, which can lead to symptoms of diarrhea. The treatment is symptomatic in nature, such as benadryl, Tylenol or Advil for discomfort. Asprin is never given to a child who has a viral infection due to the possibility of Reye's Syndrome. Your physician may order Tylenol with Codeine if your child is in severe discomfort usually associated with the ulcerations in the mouth.

Diet should be modified, plenty of liquids, Popsicles, milkshakes and bland foods. The food with high acid content will cause much discomfort. Staying away from orange juice, grapefruit or any citric acids fruit drinks is a must.

Good hand washing techniques and no sharing of any utensils helps to decrease the spread of this disease.

You may be asked to keep your child home from school until the blisters are all healed.

Do not consider this medical advice; consult your physician if you feel your child has this disease.