Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common infection in children that causes sores called ulcers inside or around their mouth and a rash or
blisters on their hands, feet, legs, or buttocks. It can be painful, but it isn't serious. It’s not the same thing as foot-and-mouth disease, which comes from a different virus and affects only animals.. The viruses that usually cause hand, foot, and mouth are named coxsackievirus a16 and enterovirus 71. Anyone can have the disease, but children under age 5 are most likely to get it. It tends to spread easily in the summer and fall. Early symptoms may include: A day or two later, a child might have: Mouth sores can make it hurt to swallow. Eating or drinking less than usual could be the only sign of a child’s illness. Be sure they get enough fluids and
nutrients. The viruses that cause HFMD lurk in the fluids in an infected person’s body, including: Hand, foot, and mouth disease spreads through:
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and look at any sores or rashes. This is usually enough for them to decide if it’s hand, foot, and mouth disease. But they might also swab your child’s throat or take a sample of poop or blood for lab testing. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease TreatmentThere’s no cure or vaccine for hand, foot, and mouth disease. Because a virus causes it, antibiotics won’t help. It usually goes away on its own after 7 to 10 days. In the meantime, you can help your child feel better with:
Serious complications from hand, foot, and mouth disease are rare. Enterovirus 71
is more likely to cause problems than other HFMD viruses. Complications may include: Your child is most
contagious in the first 7 days of the illness. But the virus can stay in their body for days or weeks and spread through their spit or poop. Take these steps to lower the chance of infection: Hand Foot and Mouth Disease - What it is What Is Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease (HFMD)?This is an infectious disease caused by a family of viruses called Enteroviruses -- the commonest being the Coxsackie virus and Enterovirus. It can occur in people from various age groups, especially pre-schoolers. It is a very common disease in Singapore and has been in existence for many years. It is not a rare or new disease. How Do You Know If Your Child Has HFMD?Children with HFMD will have blister-like or pimple-like rash on their hands, feet and buttocks, mouth ulcers and fever. In addition, the child may have a sore throat, runny nose, experience vomiting and diarrhoea, and may feel tired. You may bring your child to the polyclinic or see your family doctor. There is no need to rush your child to the Children's Emergency just to confirm the diagnosis of HFMD. How Can Your Child Get HFMD?HFMD can be easily spread through direct contact with nose discharge, saliva, faeces and fluid from the blisters. Is This Disease Serious?The disease is usually mild and most children will recover in about a week’s time. Only very rarely do certain rare strains of the virus cause complications such as inflammation of the brain and heart. Is HFMD Treatable?There is no specific treatment for HFMD. The symptoms are usually mild and children usually recover well as their own immune system fights off the virus. Your doctor will give medication to control the fever. You should encourage your child to take as much oral fluids as possible. Your child may not have a good appetite because swallowing may be painful. However, ensure that your child has adequate fluid to prevent dehydration. Offer your child small amounts of fluid (about 10 – 30 mls each time) such as diluted juices, rice or barley water every half hourly and about 10 - 30 mls each time throughout the day. Antibiotics are ineffective because this is a viral, not a bacterial infection. Does A Prior Infection With Enterovirus Make A Person Immune?Specific immunity can occur, but a second episode is possible from a different strain of virus belonging to the enterovirus family. Hand Foot and Mouth Disease - SymptomsHand Foot and Mouth Disease - How to prevent?What Can Be Done To Prevent The Spread Of This Disease?Infected children should not be allowed to go to school, childcare centres and other crowded places until he is fully recovered and for at least 1 week after the start of the illness. Practise good general hygiene. Wash your hands immediately after contact with the infected child or handling diaper changes, and before handling food. The virus can continue to be shed in stools up to 12 weeks in an infected child so practice good hand hygiene when changing diapers for the infected child. Prevent other children from contact with toys, books, eating utensils, towels, clothes and other personal items used by the infected child. Hand Foot and Mouth Disease - Causes and Risk FactorsHand Foot and Mouth Disease - DiagnosisHand Foot and Mouth Disease - TreatmentsHand Foot and Mouth Disease - Preparing for surgeryHand Foot and Mouth Disease - Post-surgery careHand Foot and Mouth Disease - Other InformationWhen Should A Child With HFMD Be Brought To The Children’s Emergency?Most children with HFMD are relatively well and active despite their illness. Your family doctor or the polyclinic will be able to manage the majority of the cases. However, you should bring your child in to the Children’s Emergency if you notice any of the following:
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (Pregnant Women)What Are The Risks For Pregnant Women Infected By HFMD?Pregnant women who get HFMD may experience miscarriage, stillbirth or severe disease in the newborn (if she acquired the infection close to delivery). What Should Pregnant Women Do If They Have Close Contact With Their Infected Child?Pregnant women should practise good hand hygiene by washing their hands after each contact. If the infected child suffers from severe runny nose and cough, it is advisable to wear surgical mask when in close contact (less than 3 feet). Do not prick the blisters as the fluid can be contagious. Do not share toothbrushes etc, as saliva contains the virus. How do you catch hand foot and mouth?Hand, foot and mouth disease is easily passed on to other people. It's spread in coughs, sneezes, poo and the fluid in the blisters. You can start spreading it from a few days before you have any symptoms, but you're most likely to spread it to others in the first 5 days after symptoms start.
Where does hand, foot, and mouth disease start?The rash manifests as tiny red bumps or blisters on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, fingers and toes. In the mouth, the rash appears as painful sores or ulcers mainly clustered in the back of the throat.
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What causes hand foot and mouth disease symptoms
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