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. For fever and pain, use acetaminophen (Tylenol) at 10-15 mg/kg every 4-6 hours or ibuprofen (Motrin) at 5-10 mg/kg every 6-8 hours, as recommended by 1.
Symptoms and Treatment
- Stay hydrated by sipping cold fluids and eating soft foods like yogurt or ice cream, which can soothe mouth sores.
- Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods that may irritate sores.
- Salt water rinses (1/2 teaspoon salt in warm water) can help with mouth discomfort, as suggested by 2.
- The disease spreads through direct contact with saliva, respiratory droplets, and feces, so practice good hygiene including frequent handwashing and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces.
Prevention and Management
- Children should stay home from school or daycare until fever subsides and mouth sores heal.
- While uncomfortable, hand, foot, and mouth disease rarely causes serious complications, with symptoms typically improving within a week as the body's immune system fights off the virus, as noted by 3.
- In severe cases, intravenous immunoglobulin may be considered for treatment, as recommended by 1.
- Vaccination of susceptible individuals in high-risk areas and good personal hygiene are important preventative measures to combat the disease, as suggested by 3.