What is hand-foot-and-mouth disease in children?Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is an illness caused by a virus. It causes a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Small blisters also occur in the mouth, often at the back of the throat. The rash may also occur in the diaper area, and on the legs and arms. Show
What causes hand-foot-and-mouth disease in a child?Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is caused by a virus. The most common viruses that cause it include:
The virus is often spread through fecal-oral transmission but may also be spread by respiratory secretions. Transmission is most often due to not washing hands correctly, particularly after changing diapers or using the bathroom. Handwashing is key to help prevent the spread of the disease. Which children are at risk for hand-foot-and-mouth disease?This disease is very common in children. A child younger than age 10 is most at risk. What are the symptoms of hand-foot-and-mouth disease in a child?Symptoms can be a bit different for each child. They can include:
The symptoms of hand-foot-and-mouth disease are often unique. But some symptoms may be caused by other health problems. Have your child see their healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is hand-foot-and-mouth disease diagnosed in a child?The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. They will give your child a physical exam. The physical exam will include looking at the rash. The rash is unique to hand-foot-and-mouth disease. The rash may be enough to diagnose your child. In some cases, your child may also have a throat culture or stool sample sent to a lab for testing. How is hand-foot-and-mouth disease treated in a child?Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Antibiotics aren't used to treat this illness. The goal of treatment is to help reduce symptoms. Symptoms may last up to a week. Treatment may include:
Talk with your child's healthcare provider about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects of all medicines. Don't give ibuprofen to a child younger than 6 months old, unless the provider tells you to. Don’t give aspirin (or medicine that contains aspirin) to a child younger than age 19 unless directed by your child’s provider. Taking aspirin can put your child at risk for Reye syndrome. This is a rare but very serious disorder. It most often affects the brain and the liver. How can I help prevent hand-foot-and-mouth disease in my child?Good handwashing is important to stop the disease from being spread to other children. To help prevent the spread of the illness to others:
Also make sure to:
When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?Call the healthcare provider if your child has:
Key points about hand-foot-and-mouth disease in children
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
How do you treat HFMD on a diaper?There is no specific treatment for it - management typically focuses on achieving symptomatic relief of pain from the sores, while the body self-resolves the infection within a week or so.
Can HFMD spread to private parts?Hand, foot and mouth disease gets its name from the blister-like rash that forms on the hands, feet and mouth. The rash can actually appear anywhere on the body, including the trunk, extremities, genitals and buttocks.
Can babies get handYour child can get a skin rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It can also show up on the buttocks, legs, and arms. The rash usually is not itchy and looks like flat or slightly raised red spots, sometimes with blisters that have an area of redness at their base.
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