From the Research
The best advice for hand, foot, and mouth disease is to focus on symptom management while the virus runs its course, typically 7-10 days, with an emphasis on hydration, pain relief, and good hygiene practices, as recommended by the most recent study 1. When managing hand, foot, and mouth disease, it is essential to prioritize symptom relief and prevention of complications.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) according to package directions to reduce fever and discomfort.
- Stay hydrated by sipping cold fluids frequently, and choose soft, bland foods that won't irritate mouth sores, such as yogurt, applesauce, or ice cream.
- Saltwater rinses (1/2 teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water) can soothe mouth sores, while calamine lotion can relieve skin rash discomfort.
- Rest is essential for recovery. Since hand, foot, and mouth disease is highly contagious, practice good hygiene by:
- Washing hands frequently
- Avoiding close contact with others
- Disinfecting commonly touched surfaces The illness is caused by enteroviruses, most commonly coxsackievirus A16, which spread through respiratory droplets, fecal matter, and contact with contaminated surfaces, as noted in 2 and 3. While uncomfortable, the condition is generally mild and resolves without specific antiviral treatment, with complications being rare, although severe cases can occur, particularly with enterovirus A71, as highlighted in 1 and 4.