From the Guidelines
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is primarily treated with supportive care as it is a viral infection that typically resolves on its own within 7-10 days. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and includes over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to reduce fever and alleviate pain from mouth sores. Dosing should follow package instructions based on age and weight. Avoid aspirin in children due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. Maintain hydration by offering cold, soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, or popsicles that are easier to swallow with mouth sores. Avoid acidic, spicy, or salty foods that may irritate sores. Salt water rinses (1/2 teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water) can soothe mouth ulcers in older children and adults. Topical oral anesthetics like benzocaine may provide temporary relief for mouth sores but should be used according to package directions. Since HFMD is highly contagious, patients should practice good hygiene, avoid close contact with others, and stay home from school or work until fever subsides and blisters dry up to prevent spreading the infection. None of the provided studies 1 directly address the treatment of hand, foot, and mouth disease, so the treatment recommendations are based on general medical knowledge and not influenced by these studies.
From the Research
Hand Foot Mouth Treatment
- The treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is mainly symptomatic and supportive, as there is no pharmacological intervention or vaccine available for all types of HFMD 2, 3, 4.
- Treatment is directed toward hydration and pain relief as needed with acetaminophen or ibuprofen 3.
- Intravenous immunoglobulin should be considered for the treatment of severe/complicated hand, foot, and mouth disease 4.
- Some drugs such as ribavirin, suramin, mulberroside C, aminothiazole analogs, and sertraline have emerged as potential candidates for the treatment of hand, foot, and mouth disease, but are not yet approved 4.
- Oral lidocaine is not recommended for pain relief 3.
- Antiviral treatment is not available for HFMD 3, 4.
Prevention
- The best methods to prevent the spread of hand-foot-and-mouth disease are handwashing and disinfecting potentially contaminated surfaces and fomites 3.
- Vaccination of susceptible individuals in high-risk areas is an important preventative measure to combat the disease 4.
- Good personal hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of HFMD 4.
Disease Characteristics
- Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious viral disease that mainly affects infants and young children 2, 3, 5, 6.
- The disease is characterized by fever, vesicular rashes on hand, feet, and buttocks, and ulcers in the oral mucosa 2, 6.
- Lesions usually resolve in seven to 10 days without sequelae 3, 4.
- In rare cases, patients may experience severe complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis, and neurorespiratory syndrome 2.