From the Research
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral illness primarily affecting young children, caused by enteroviruses, most commonly Coxsackievirus A16, and treatment focuses on symptom management as the disease typically resolves on its own within 7-10 days 1.
Key Considerations
- The disease is characterized by a painful oral enanthem and asymptomatic exanthem on the palms and soles, with children younger than 5 years being most commonly affected 1.
- Hand, foot, and mouth disease caused by enterovirus A71 is more severe and has a higher rate of complications than that attributed to other viruses such as coxsackievirus A16 1.
- Treatment is mainly symptomatic and supportive, with intravenous immunoglobulin considered for severe/complicated cases 1.
Management
- For fever and pain, use acetaminophen (10-15 mg/kg every 4-6 hours) or ibuprofen (5-10 mg/kg every 6-8 hours) 2.
- Keep the affected person hydrated with cold liquids and soft foods that don't irritate mouth sores, such as yogurt, applesauce, or ice cream.
- Salt water rinses (1/2 teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water) can help soothe mouth sores.
- Apply calamine lotion to skin rashes for relief.
Prevention
- The disease spreads through contact with an infected person's saliva, fluid from blisters, or feces, so practice good hygiene by washing hands frequently, avoiding close contact, and disinfecting contaminated surfaces 2.
- Vaccination of susceptible individuals in high-risk areas and good personal hygiene are important preventative measures to combat the disease 1.