Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a contagious and usually mild viral infection that is common in children. It spreads easily through close contact when a person who is sick coughs, sneezes, or has a runny nose. It can also be passed in the stool. Anyone can get hand-foot-and-mouth disease.

Symptoms are usually mild. They often start with a mild fever, a poor appetite, and a sore throat. In a day or two, blisters or sores may form in the mouth. Mouth sores or blisters are often painful and may make it hard to eat. A skin rash may appear on the hands and feet and sometimes on the buttocks. Some people don’t have any symptoms.

Home care can help relieve the symptoms. They usually go away in about 7 to 10 days. Antibiotics don't help, because this infection is caused by a virus, not bacteria.

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is not the same as foot-and-mouth disease (also called hoof-and-mouth disease or mad cow disease), which occurs in animals.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

Home care

• Make sure your child gets extra rest until they feel better.
• Have your child drink plenty of fluids. Watch for and treat signs of dehydration, which means that the body has lost too much water. Symptoms of dehydration include dry eyes and a dry mouth, passing only a little urine (no wet diapers for 6 hours), and feeling thirstier than usual.
• Do not give your child acidic foods and drinks, such as spaghetti sauce or orange juice. These things may make a sore throat or mouth sores more painful. Cold drinks, flavored ice pops, and ice cream may soothe mouth and throat pain.
• Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) as directed. Do not use ibuprofen if your child is less than 6 months old unless the doctor gave you instructions to use it. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not give aspirin to children and teens. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
• Do not give your child two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.

Prevent spreading the infection

Children are most likely to spread the infection during the first week of the infection. But the virus can stay in the stool for several months and may spread to others. To help prevent the infection from spreading:

• If your child goes to day care or school, talk to staff about when your child can return.
• Wash your hands often. And teach all family members to wash their hands often. It is especially important to wash your hands after you touch a blister or change the diaper of a child who has the infection.
• Teach your child to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating.
• Remind your child to keep their hands away from the nose, eyes, and mouth. Viruses are most likely to enter the body through these areas.
• Teach your child to cough and sneeze away from others and to use a tissue when coughing and wiping their nose.
• Don't let your child share toys or give kisses while your child has the infection. Be sure to clean and disinfect surfaces and shared items.

When should you call for help?

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your child has a new or worse fever.
• Your child has a severe headache.
• Your child cannot swallow or cannot drink enough fluids because of throat pain.
• Your child has symptoms of dehydration, such as:
  • Dry eyes and a dry mouth.
  • Passing only a little urine.
  • Feeling thirstier than usual.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• Your child does not get better as expected.