You’ve probably heard about it around schools and daycares this year: hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is making a stronger resurgence than usual. The viral illness is typically most common in late summer and early fall as children return to classrooms and group activities; however, many communities in the United States are currently seeing higher-than-normal cases continue into the fall and early winter.
What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
HFMD is a common viral illness that mostly affects children under age five, though older kids and adults can get it too. It is usually caused by a group of viruses called enteroviruses and spreads easily from person to person.
Common symptoms
Symptoms usually appear 3 to 6 days after exposure and may include:
- Low-grade fever
- Sore throat
- Mouth sores (small red or white blisters on the tongue, gums, or cheeks)
- Rash on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks
- Irritability and decreased appetite (because eating may hurt)
The rash is not usually itchy, but the mouth sores can be painful, making it difficult for children to eat or drink.
Is it contagious?
HFMD is very contagious and is spread through:
- Saliva and mucus (coughing, sneezing, drooling)
- Touching shared toys or surfaces
- Diaper changes and contact with stool
- Close contact, like hugging or sharing cups or bottles
Because young children explore the world with their hands and mouths, daycares and schools are common places for outbreaks.
Treating HFMD at home
Most children recover on their own within seven to 10 days. Treatment for these cases should focus on comfort and hydration, including:
- Pain and fever relief with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Cold drinks and soft foods (applesauce, yogurt, oatmeal) to help soothe mouth sores and make it easier to stay hydrated
- Avoidance of spicy, salty, or acidic foods.
The biggest concern with HFMD is dehydration, since mouth pain makes drinking difficult. Watch for: dry lips, decreased urine output, and unusual or increased sleepiness or fussiness.
When to see a medical provider
- Fever above 103°F
- Very few wet diapers or signs of dehydration
- Symptoms that get worse after three days
- Rash spreading beyond typical areas
- Lethargic
Our providers can help confirm the illness, rule out strep or other infections, and provide guidance on symptom relief, even though antibiotics cannot treat HFMD, since it is a viral illness.
Returning to school
Children can return when:
- Fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication
- Open blisters have crusted or dried
- Excessive drooling has stopped (to reduce contact spread)
This typically happens within about a week.
Prevent the spread
- Encourage frequent handwashing
- Disinfect toys and surfaces
- Avoid sharing cups, bottles, or utensils
- Keep infected children home until they improve
If you or a loved one has symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease, don’t wait for treatment—find an urgent care location near you.
Sources
CNN.com, New York Times, CDC.org, Cleveland Clinic, American Academy of Family Physicians, PubMed Central, Mayo Clinic, American Medical Association,