Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
Did you know HFMD mostly affects children under 10 but can also affect teens?
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a viral illness that affects children and causes painful sores. Learn about causes, symptoms, and treatments for HFMD in babies. What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)?
HFMD is a viral illness that affects children and can cause painful sores on the hands, feet, and mouth. Children between the ages of two and six are most commonly affected, but the disease can also affect teens and adults with weakened immune systems.
Causes of HFMD in babies:
- HFMD is caused by viruses such as A16, A10, or A6 Coxsackievirus, Enterovirus 71 (EV-71), or viruses belonging to the Picornaviridae family.
- Warm weather accelerates its spread in fall and summer.
- The virus first infects tissue in the mouth near the tonsils and then the digestive system. It then travels through the blood to other parts of the body.
Symptoms of HFMD:
- HFMD symptoms include fever, sore throat, lack of appetite, lethargy, and red, blistering rash on the palms, soles, and sometimes buttocks.
- Sores in the mouth or throat can appear one or two days after the fever first appears.
- Hands and feet, and even the buttocks, may develop a rash within one or two days.
How Long Do HFMD Symptoms Last?
- Infected people show no symptoms immediately.
- Symptoms usually appear after 3 to 6 days.
- Three to six days is the typical incubation period after a person is infected with the disease.
Contagiousness of HFMD:
- HFMD is highly contagious and can be transmitted through saliva, airborne droplets, faeces, and direct contact with infected bodily fluids.
Diagnosis of HFMD:
- Medical professionals may suggest tests such as throat swab, stool sample, or blood sample to determine if a child has HFMD.
Treatment for HFMD:
- In most cases, there is no specific treatment for HFMD. Discomfort can be reduced with pain relievers, soothing balms for blisters, and lozenges or syrups to relieve a scratchy throat.
- Home remedies such as aloe gel, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, ginger, and neem can help soothe the symptoms of HFMD.
Conclusion
HFMD is a contagious viral disease that affects children, causing sores on the hands, feet, and mouth. Seek medical attention if you suspect your child has it.