From the Research
The management of both Herpangina and Hand, Foot, and Mouth (HFM) disease is primarily supportive, focusing on symptom relief with acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and pain, and encouraging adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration. The key difference in management is that Herpangina typically presents with posterior pharyngeal lesions causing more severe sore throat, while HFM disease has a wider distribution of lesions on hands, feet, and mouth, potentially requiring more extensive skin care. Some key points to consider in management include:
- Using acetaminophen (10-15 mg/kg/dose every 4-6 hours, maximum 5 doses/day) or ibuprofen (5-10 mg/kg/dose every 6-8 hours) for fever and pain relief 1
- Encouraging adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration, with cold liquids, popsicles, and soft foods being better tolerated
- Considering topical anesthetics like viscous lidocaine 2% for severe oral pain, with caution to avoid swallowing
- Advising parents to seek medical attention if the child shows signs of dehydration, persistent high fever, or worsening symptoms
- Emphasizing the importance of handwashing and avoiding close contact during the acute phase to prevent the spread of these highly contagious illnesses 2, 1 Both conditions typically resolve within 7-10 days. It's worth noting that while there are various serotypes of enteroviruses that can cause HFMD and Herpangina, such as coxsackievirus A6 and A10 3, the management approach remains largely the same, with a focus on supportive care and prevention of complications. According to the most recent and highest quality study, handwashing is a crucial preventive measure, with a significant protective effect against community-acquired HFMD and Herpangina 2.