Hand, Foot,& Mouth Disease: Causes, Prevention & Treatment
What are the Hand, Foot, and Mouth Diseases?
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a viral illness commonly affecting infants and children. It is caused by several different viruses, primarily belonging to the Enterovirus group, most commonly the Coxsackievirus. HFMD is characterized by fever, sores or blisters in the mouth and on the hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks. While it's more prevalent in children, adults can also contract the disease.
Types of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease:
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) mainly comes from different kinds of tiny germs called Enteroviruses. The ones that usually cause it are called Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71. Although there aren't special categories of HFMD, the different kinds of these germs can make the sickness milder or worse, and the way it affects people can be a bit different. Here's a simple way to understand it:
Coxsackievirus A16 : This is the most common cause of HFMD. It typically causes mild symptoms and is associated with the classic features of the disease, including fever, mouth sores, and rash on the hands and feet.
Enterovirus 71 (EV71) : This strain can lead to more severe cases of HFMD. It's associated with a higher risk of complications such as viral meningitis and encephalitis. In some outbreaks, EV71 has been linked to severe neurological symptoms.
Other Enteroviruses : Apart from Coxsackievirus A16 and EV71, other strains of Enteroviruses can also cause HFMD. These strains might lead to various symptoms, and their prevalence can vary in different outbreaks.
Symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease:
Painful sores or blisters in the mouth, on the tongue, gums, and inside the cheeks
You might see red spots on your hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks that can become blisters.
Irritability in infants and young children
When to See a Doctor for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease:
You should consult a doctor if:
The child's fever is high or doesn't improve with over-the-counter medication.
Your child becomes dehydrated and might be reluctant to drink due to mouth sores.
The mouth sores become extremely painful or make it difficult to swallow.
Blisters or sores on the skin become infected.
Symptoms worsen or last longer than a week.
Causes of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease:
Enterovirus Infection : HFMD is caused by infection with Enteroviruses, primarily Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71. These viruses belong to the Enterovirus genus and are a part of the Picornaviridae family.
Direct Contact : The virus spreads through contact with an infected person's bodily fluids, including saliva, nasal mucus, fluid from blisters, and feces. Close personal touch, such as hugging, kissing, or shaking hands, can facilitate transmission.
Contaminated Surfaces : The virus can survive on surfaces and objects an infected person has touched. If an uninfected person touches these surfaces and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes, they can contract the virus.
Respiratory Droplets : Coughing and sneezing by infected individuals can release respiratory droplets containing the virus into the air. If others inhale these droplets, they can become infected.
Poor Hygiene : Lack of proper handwashing and hygiene practices can contribute to the spread of the virus. Children in daycare settings are particularly susceptible due to close contact and less-developed hygiene habits.
High Contagiousness : HFMD is most contagious during the first week of illness when symptoms are most prominent. However, the virus can still be shed from the body for several weeks after symptoms have subsided, contributing to ongoing transmission.
Seasonal Variation : HFMD often exhibits a seasonal pattern, with more cases occurring in warmer months, particularly in late spring and early fall.
Infectious Reservoirs : People who are infected but have only mild or hardly any symptoms can still have and spread the virus. This makes it difficult to control outbreaks because those without apparent symptoms can still pass on the infection to others.
Crowded Settings : Environments with close contacts, such as schools, daycares, and summer camps, can facilitate the rapid spread of the virus among children.
Immunological Factors : The susceptibility to HFMD may vary based on an individual's immune response and prior exposure to similar viruses.
Prevention of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease:
Preventive measures include:
Frequent handwashing, especially after changing diapers and using the bathroom.
Avoiding close contact with infected individuals.
Disinfecting surfaces and toys in connection with an infected person.
Encouraging good hygiene practices among children.
Treatment of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease:
HFMD is usually a self-limiting illness, and treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms:
Over-the-counter pain relievers for fever and discomfort.
Cold fluids and soft foods prevent dehydration.
Avoiding acidic or spicy foods that may irritate mouth sores.
Topical oral treatments to soothe mouth sores.
Isolating the infected individual to prevent the spread of the virus.
Do's and Don'ts for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease:
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Do practice good hand hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the restroom, changing diapers, and before eating. | Don't ignore symptoms: If you or your child show signs of HFMD, seek medical advice and avoid close contact with others. |
| Do cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing: Use a tissue or the crook of your elbow to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets. | Don't share personal items: Avoid sharing utensils, cups, towels, and other personal items, as these can spread the virus. |
| Do clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces: Regularly clean surfaces that are touched often, such as doorknobs, toys, and common areas. | Don't send sick children to school or daycare: Keep children with symptoms at home to prevent spreading the virus to others. |
| Do isolate infected individuals: Keep sick individuals away from healthy ones, and encourage them to rest and recover. | Don't expose pregnant women: Pregnant women should avoid close contact with individuals infected with HFMD due to potential complications. |
| Do encourage proper hygiene: Teach children to wash their hands thoroughly and avoid touching their face, especially the mouth and eyes. | Don't scratch blisters: Scratching blisters can increase the risk of secondary infections. |
| Do use pain relievers as directed: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage fever and discomfort. Follow dosing instructions. | Don't use ibuprofen if suspected EV71 infection: In cases of Enterovirus 71 infection, avoid using ibuprofen, as it might worsen the condition. |
| Do drink fluids: Stay hydrated by drinking water, clear broths, and oral rehydration solutions to prevent dehydration. | Don't expose others during contagious periods: Avoid close contact until the symptoms have significantly improved and fever is gone. |
| Do consult a doctor if needed: Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or if you have concerns about complications. | Don't rely on antibiotics: HFMD is caused by a virus, so antibiotics won't be effective against it. |
| Do follow public health guidelines: Stay informed about HFMD outbreaks and follow guidelines issued by health authorities. | Don't panic: While HFMD can be uncomfortable, it's usually a mild illness that resolves on its own. |
Care at Medicover:
At Medicover, our skilled pediatric experts specialize in treating Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in children. They use advanced methods and technology to find the problem and give the right treatment. Our kind team takes good care of patients, watching them closely and giving treatments that work well. This helps kids get better faster and feel happier again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)?
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a viral infection caused by several different viruses, most commonly the coxsackievirus. It primarily affects infants and young children but can also occur in adults.
How is HFMD transmitted?
HFMD is typically spread through close personal contact, such as through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes or contact with infected saliva, feces, and fluid-filled blisters.
What are the symptoms of HFMD?
Symptoms often include fever, sore throat, and a rash that appears as small, red spots or blisters on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth. These blisters can be painful and uncomfortable.
How is HFMD diagnosed?
A doctor can diagnose HFMD based on the characteristic symptoms and clinical examination. Laboratory tests, such as throat swabs or stool samples, may be done to confirm the presence of the virus.
Is HFMD a serious illness?
In most cases, HFMD is a mild and self-limiting illness that resolves on its own within a week or two. However, severe cases can occur, especially in very young children, leading to dehydration and complications.
How is HFMD treated?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for HFMD. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, such as fever and discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers can be used, and staying hydrated is important.
Can HFMD be prevented?
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent HFMD, practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and disinfecting common surfaces, can help reduce the risk of transmission.
Can adults get HFMD?
Yes, adults can contract HFMD, but it is more common in children. Adults often have milder symptoms compared to children.
When should I seek medical attention for HFMD?
If you suspect HFMD in you or your child, consult a healthcare professional, like a pediatrician, for diagnosis and guidance. Seek medical help if you notice dehydration, severe mouth pain, high fever, or other worrisome symptoms. Pediatricians can offer proper care and advice. Remember, this isn't a substitute for medical advice—seek professional help for accurate diagnosis and care.
Is HFMD the same as foot-and-mouth disease that affects animals?
No, HFMD is a separate condition from foot-and-mouth disease that affects animals. The two diseases are caused by different viruses and have different symptoms.