How To Treat Hand Foot And Mouth Virus?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness that mostly affects young children, though adults can catch it too. The infection causes fever, mouth sores, and a telltale rash on the hands and feet. There is no specific antiviral medication that cures HFMD. Treatment focuses entirely on relieving symptoms while the immune system clears the virus, which typically takes 7 to 10 days. You manage the fever and pain with over-the-counter medications, keep the person hydrated, and let the rash run its course.

What Causes Hand Foot And Mouth Virus?

HFMD is caused by a group of viruses called enteroviruses. The most common culprit is coxsackievirus A16. Another strain, enterovirus 71, can cause more severe disease, though it is less common in the United States.

The virus spreads through direct contact with respiratory droplets, saliva, fluid from the blisters, or stool of an infected person. It can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces. People are most contagious during the first week of illness, but the virus can remain in the stool for weeks after symptoms resolve.

Outbreaks are most common in summer and early fall in temperate climates. Daycares and preschools are frequent sites of spread because young children share toys, cups, and close quarters.

What Are The Symptoms Of Hand Foot And Mouth?

Symptoms usually appear 3 to 6 days after exposure. The illness often begins with a fever, sore throat, and reduced appetite. A day or two later, painful sores develop in the mouth, typically on the tongue, gums, and inside the cheeks.

A skin rash follows. It appears as flat red spots or small blisters on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Some people also get the rash on the knees, elbows, or buttocks. The blisters do not itch in most cases, though they can be tender.

Not everyone gets every symptom. Some people, especially adults, have only a mild fever and a few mouth sores. Others have no symptoms at all but can still spread the virus.

How To Treat Hand Foot And Mouth Virus At Home

Most cases of HFMD resolve on their own without medical treatment. The goal is comfort and hydration. Fever and pain are the two main issues to manage.

For fever and sore throat pain, acetaminophen or ibuprofen are the standard choices. Use the dose listed on the package based on the person’s age and weight. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition that affects the liver and brain.

Mouth sores can make eating and drinking painful. Cold foods like ice cream, yogurt, smoothies, and popsicles are often easier to tolerate. Avoid salty, spicy, or acidic foods that sting the sores. Offer fluids frequently to prevent dehydration.

There is no topical treatment that speeds up healing of the skin rash. Keep the blisters clean and leave them uncovered. Do not pop the blisters. They heal on their own within a week.

When Should You See A Doctor?

Most people do not need to see a doctor for HFMD. However, dehydration is the main complication to watch for, especially in young children. Seek medical care if the person cannot keep fluids down, has a dry mouth, produces little or no urine, or seems unusually lethargic.

A fever lasting more than 3 days, or a fever above 103°F in a child, warrants a call to the doctor. Also seek care if the person seems confused, has a stiff neck, or has difficulty breathing. These symptoms can indicate a more serious infection.

Pregnant women who are exposed to HFMD should contact their obstetrician. The risk to the fetus is low, but monitoring is appropriate, especially in the third trimester.

Are There Any Prescription Treatments?

No antiviral medication is approved specifically for treating HFMD. Antibiotics do not work because the cause is a virus, not bacteria. For most people, prescription treatment is unnecessary.

In rare cases, a doctor may prescribe a medicated mouth rinse to numb severe mouth pain. These rinses typically contain an antacid mixed with a local anesthetic like viscous lidocaine. They are used only when mouth pain prevents drinking, and only under a doctor’s supervision because of the risk of numbing the gag reflex in young children.

For severe cases involving enterovirus 71, hospitalization may be required for intravenous fluids and monitoring. This is uncommon in the United States but more frequent in parts of Asia where the strain is more prevalent.

How Long Is Hand Foot And Mouth Contagious?

A person with HFMD is most contagious during the first week of illness, when symptoms are at their peak. The virus can be shed in respiratory secretions and fluid from blisters during this time.

The virus also continues to be shed in stool for several weeks after symptoms disappear. This is why handwashing is critical, especially after diaper changes and bathroom use. Children can return to daycare or school once the fever has been gone for 24 hours and mouth sores have healed, even if the skin rash is still present.

Some people can shed the virus without ever showing symptoms. This makes complete prevention of spread difficult in group settings.

Can You Get Hand Foot And Mouth More Than Once?

Yes. Having HFMD once does not provide lifelong immunity. The immune system develops antibodies to the specific virus strain that caused the infection, but there are multiple viruses that can cause the illness.

A person who recovers from coxsackievirus A16 can later catch a different strain, such as coxsackievirus A6 or enterovirus 71. Subsequent infections are usually milder, but they can still occur. This is why outbreaks can happen in the same community year after year.

How To Prevent The Spread Of Hand Foot And Mouth

There is no vaccine for HFMD in the United States. Prevention relies on good hygiene practices.

Frequent handwashing with soap and water is the most effective measure. Wash hands after changing diapers, after using the bathroom, and before preparing food. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, toys, and countertops with a household cleaner.

Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, or sharing utensils with someone who is sick. Teach children to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow. Keep sick children home from school and group activities until the fever resolves.