Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFM) is a common disease in children that is caused by a virus. This causes painful mouth  sores. There may be grayish, red blisters on the palms of the hands, bottoms of the feet and sometimes on the bum. Rashes on the palms of the hands and bottoms of the feet are not very common so if you see this it is most likely HFM.
HFM usually affects children six months old and older. Adults may also get it.

Causes:

HFM is caused by a virus that is found in feces (poop). It may be spread because the child forgot to wash their hands after going to the bathroom. The child may have the infection 3 to 6 days before showing any signs.

Symptoms:

• Blisters in the mouth, on the tongue, inside the cheeks and on the back of the throat (look like canker sores). May take up to 7 days to heal.
• Small, grayish blisters on the palms of the hands, the bottom of the feet and sometimes on the bum. The rash usually goes away in about 10 days.
• Fever 37.7 to 38.8C (100 to 102F) for a few days.

Treatment:

• Offer lots to drink frequently. Because their mouth is sore, they may not want to drink. Some children like Popsicle’s and cold drinks because it helps to make their mouth feel better. Warm drinks may help their mouth feel better also. Avoid orange juice, grapefruit juice, or lemonade, because they will probably sting their mouth.
• Avoid foods that are salty or spicy because they will cause stinging in their mouth.
• May give acetaminophen or ibuprofen according to the directions (ask for a sheet if you do not know how much to give or how often to give it). If you are unsure ask the doctor or the pharmacist about giving medication.
• If the spots are itchy you want to try some anti-histamine cream (Benadryl) or an anti-histamine pills or liquid.
• Children may go back to school when the lesions are healed or their temperature is O.K.

Return to the Emergency Department IF:

• The grayish-red blisters are any place on the body other than the mouth, bum, hands, and feet or between their fingers or toes.
• Rashes that look like bruises or broken blood vessels, or look purple.
• Any signs of dehydration like: dry, sticky mouth, no tears when they cry or not peeing very much.
• Stiff neck, headache, sleepy even when they have already slept for awhile, confused.

See your doctor IF:

• Fever lasts more than 3 days.
• Your child does not seem to be getting any better.