Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common, mild viral infection mostly affecting young children under 5. It causes a distinctive rash of small blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth, along with fever. It's usually not serious and clears up in about a week.

HFMD is NOT the same as foot-and-mouth disease in animals — despite the similar name.

Symptoms

Symptoms typically appear 3-6 days after exposure:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Loss of appetite
• Painful mouth ulcers on the tongue, inside cheeks, or lips (1-2 days after fever)
• Red spots and small blisters on palms, soles, and sometimes buttocks and knees (1-2 days later)
• Irritability in young children
• Sometimes headache, tiredness

How it spreads

Very contagious. Through:

• Coughing, sneezing, saliva
• Fluid from blisters
• Stool (for weeks after recovery)
• Contaminated surfaces, toys, and hands
• Outbreaks are common in creches, schools, and at playgrounds

Care

No specific treatment — the infection clears on its own. Supportive care:

• Plenty of cool fluids to prevent dehydration; avoid acidic juices which sting the mouth
• Soft, bland food
• Paracetamol for fever and pain (appropriate dose for age and weight)
• Keep the child home until fever has gone and blisters have dried — usually about a week

When to see a doctor

• Child refuses to drink and shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth, few wet nappies)
• Very high fever or fever lasting more than 3 days
• Unusual drowsiness, very irritable, persistent vomiting
• Neck stiffness, confusion — could signal a rare complication like encephalitis. Get urgent help; dial 112.
• Symptoms in a newborn

Prevention

• Frequent handwashing with soap
• Disinfect surfaces and toys during outbreaks
• Cover mouth when coughing or sneezing
• Keep infected children at home until well