09/01/2021
Hand, foot and mouth (HFM) disease is going around our community right now. It is a common illness occurring in children from 9 months to 5 years of age. It is caused by the Coxsackievirus and enterovirus and is typically seen in the fall and spring months. Because it is a “viral illness” there is no treatment, but it is important to manage the symptoms.
HFM typically starts with fever and sometimes is accompanied by runny nose and/or nausea/vomiting/diarrhea. After 1-2 days of high fever parents will usually notice little red bumps on the bottom and tops of feet and hands and around the mouth and possibly in the diaper area. Also, the child will have red bumps/blister inside the mouth towards the back of the mouth.
HFM can be very painful for some children and they will stop eating and/or drinking. Below I have listed my top tips for treating the symptoms of HFM. Remember if you are concerned about your child you should always seek the advice of your medical provider.
🖐🏻 Make sure your child is drinking a lot of “clear fluid.” Water is best and avoid caffeine. Other ways to get fluid includes broth, jello, or popsicles.
🖐🏻Really cold fluids may burn so using room temperature fluids may feel best.
🖐🏻In an older child, colder fluids will numb the sores in the mouth and warm fluids like broth will soothe.
🖐🏻The rash will go away on its own and requires no treatment, but it is very important to keep the skin clean with daily baths
🖐🏻My favorite treatment for pain control in a child over the age of 2 is your child’s dose of ibuprofen combined with their dose of children’s Benadryl every 6 hours. Please contact your doctor’s office for their advice on dosing.
How do we prevent the spread of HFM?
👉🏻 Good handwashing!!!
👉🏻Cleaning and disinfecting toys
👉🏻Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
👉🏻Your child should stay home if they are sick or running a fever.
When should your child be seen by a healthcare provider if you suspect they have HFM?
☀If they have signs of dehydration (less than 4 wet diapers in 24 hours, crying without tears, dry lips).
☀Fever over 100.5 F for more than 5 days
☀Severe illness or worsening.
Has your child had HFM? Drop an emoji in the comments!
