Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease: 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 treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Home care

• Get extra rest until you feel better.
• To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids. Choose water and other clear liquids until you feel better. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• If you have a sore throat or mouth sores, avoid acidic foods and drinks, such as spaghetti sauce or orange juice. These things may make mouth sores more painful. Cold drinks, flavored ice pops, and ice cream may soothe mouth and throat pain.
• Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not give aspirin to teens. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
• Do not take 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

The infection is most likely to spread 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:

• Stay home when you're sick. Ask your doctor when it's okay to return to work or school.
• Wash your hands after you use the toilet or touch a blister or change a diaper and before you touch food.
• Keep your hands away from your nose, eyes, and mouth. Viruses are most likely to enter the body through these areas.
• Cough and sneeze away from others, and use a tissue when coughing and wiping the nose.
• Don't give kisses or share personal items like utensils, drinking cups, and towels with others. 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:

• You have a new or worse fever.
• You have a severe headache.
• You can't swallow or can't drink enough fluids because of throat pain.
• You have 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 health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You do not get better as expected.