Hand, Foot, And Mouth Disease
(Vesicular Stomatitis With Exanthem)
Definition
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common illness in infants and children. It is characterized by fever, sores in the mouth, and a rash on the hands and feet. It occurs in warmer months. It is transmitted primarily between humans by direct contact with secretions from the nose and throat, saliva, fluid from blisters, or the feces of those who have HFMD.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Causes
HFMD is caused by a virus from a group of viruses called enteroviruses.
Risk Factors
The following factors increase the risk of HFMD:
- Contact with someone who is infected
- Age: children under 10 years old
Symptoms
- Mild fever
- Poor appetite
- Discomfort
- Sore throat
- Painful sores in the mouth
- Skin rash that does not itch, usually on the palms of hands and soles of feet
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Your doctor may need samples of bodily tissues and waste products. This can be done with:
- Throat swab
- Stool specimen
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for HFMD. Treatment is focused on relieving fever, aches, and pain associated with the illness. Medicines may be given to help relieve the pain related to the sores in the mouth.
Prevention
To help reduce the risk of HFMD:
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after diaper changes.
- Clean contaminated surfaces with soap and water followed by a diluted solution of chlorine-containing bleach. (Mix about 1/4 cup of bleach with one gallon water.)
- Avoid close contact with children with HFMD.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Canadian Pediatric Society
Public Health Agency of Canada
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated July 13, 2012. Accessed January 2, 2013.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/index.html. Updated May 29, 2012. Accessed January 2, 2012.
Last reviewed November 2012 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
