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, as noted in the most recent study 1. The symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Painful mouth sores
- A rash on hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks These symptoms are usually self-limiting, but it is essential to manage them to prevent complications and improve the quality of life for the affected individual.
For fever and pain, the following medications can be used:
- Acetaminophen (10-15 mg/kg every 4-6 hours)
- Ibuprofen (5-10 mg/kg every 6-8 hours) It is crucial to keep the affected person hydrated with cold liquids and soft foods like yogurt or ice cream, as mouth sores can make eating painful. Avoiding spicy, salty, or acidic foods that may irritate sores is also recommended.
Good hygiene practices are essential to prevent the spread of the disease, including:
- Frequent handwashing
- Avoiding close contact
- Disinfecting contaminated surfaces The virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces.
While complications are rare, it is essential to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, dehydration occurs, or fever persists beyond three days. According to the most recent study 1, hand, foot, and mouth disease can be associated with potentially fatal neurological complications, and severe cardiopulmonary complications can also occur. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the affected individual closely and seek medical attention if necessary.
In terms of prevention, vaccination of susceptible individuals in high-risk areas and good personal hygiene are important measures to combat the disease, as noted in the study 2. An inactivated Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) vaccine has been approved by the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) and has been shown to provide a high level of protection against EV-A71-related hand, foot, and mouth disease, as reported in the study 1.