Hand, Foot & Mouth

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Hand, Foot & Mouth 〰️

Care Plan

What to expect

THand-foot-and-mouth disease can cause a variety of symptoms, which may include:

- Fever

- Sore throat

- General feeling of illness

- Painful, blister-like sores on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks

- Rash on the palms, soles, and sometimes the buttocks; the rash is not itchy but may have blisters. Depending on skin tone, the rash may appear red, white, gray, or as tiny bumps.

- Fussiness in infants and toddlers

- Loss of appetite

The incubation period for hand-foot-and-mouth disease is typically 3 to 6 days from initial infection to the onset of symptoms. Children may develop a fever and sore throat, lose their appetite, and feel generally unwell.

One or two days after the fever starts, painful sores can appear in the front of the mouth or throat. A rash may also develop on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks.

If sores develop in the back of the mouth and throat, it may indicate a related viral illness called herpangina. Herpangina is characterized by a sudden high fever and, in some cases, seizures. Rarely, sores may also appear on the hands, feet, or other parts of the body.

  • How to prevent?

    You can reduce your child's risk of hand-foot-and-mouth disease in several ways:

    - Wash hands frequently: Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet, changing a diaper, before preparing or eating food, and after blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.

    - Teach good hygiene: Show your children how to wash their hands properly and encourage them to do it often. Teach them general good hygiene practices and explain why they should avoid putting their fingers, hands, or other objects in their mouths.

    - Disinfect common areas: Clean high-traffic areas and surfaces with soap and water, followed by a diluted solution of chlorine bleach and water. In child care settings, adhere to a strict cleaning and disinfecting schedule, as the virus can survive on surfaces for days, including doorknobs and shared items like toys.

    - Avoid close contact: Since hand-foot-and-mouth disease is highly contagious, those infected should limit their exposure to others while symptomatic. Keep children with the illness out of child care or school until the fever is gone and mouth sores have healed. If you have the illness, stay home from work.

How to care for hand, foot and mouth?

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is usually a minor illness, typically causing fever and mild symptoms for a few days. Contact your healthcare provider if your child is younger than six months, has a weakened immune system, or experiences mouth sores or a sore throat that makes drinking fluids painful. Also, call your provider if your child's symptoms do not improve after 10 days.

While there is no specific cure for hand, foot, and mouth disease, you can help keep your child comfortable until the illness resolves by following these tips:

Manage mouth pain so your child stays hydrated. Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin®, Advil®) are effective for pain relief if allowed

For toddlers and older children, offer soft foods like yogurt, pasta, pudding, or smoothies, as well as ice pops to provide sustenance and ease pain.

Ensure your child stays hydrated with a variety of fluids. Remember that if your child isn’t eating, water alone won't provide the necessary energy or salts to maintain blood pressure.

The most intense mouth pain typically occurs during the first three to five days of the illness. Antibiotics and other medications do not kill this virus.