What is the treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease?

Treatment of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is primarily managed with supportive care measures, as it is typically a self-limiting viral illness that resolves within 7-10 days without specific antiviral treatment.

Supportive Care Measures

• Pain and fever management: Use oral analgesics such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs for a limited duration to relieve pain and reduce fever 1, 2
• Hydration: Ensure adequate fluid intake, especially important when oral ulcers make drinking painful 2
• Oral lesion management:
  • Mild toothpaste and gentle oral hygiene to manage oral ulcers 1
  • Consider delaying normal activities until symptoms resolve for severe oral ulcers 1
  • Avoid spicy, acidic, or hot foods and beverages that may irritate oral lesions 2

Skin Manifestation Management

• Apply moisturizing creams (such as urea cream/ointment) to affected areas on hands and feet 1
• Avoid friction and heat exposure to affected areas 1
• Monitor for and treat any secondary bacterial infections that may develop 1

Duration of Treatment

• Symptoms typically resolve within 7-10 days without specific treatment 2, 3
• Continue supportive measures until symptoms have resolved 2

Prevention of Spread

• Hand hygiene with thorough handwashing using soap and water (more effective than alcohol-based sanitizers) 1
• Environmental cleaning, particularly of toys and objects that children may put in their mouths 1
• Children with HFMD should avoid close contact with others until fever resolves and mouth sores heal 1
• Follow standard precautions in healthcare settings 1

Special Considerations

• Immunocompromised patients may experience more severe disease and should be monitored closely 1
• In rare cases, patients may develop neurologic or cardiopulmonary complications requiring additional medical attention 2, 4
• For severe/complicated HFMD, intravenous immunoglobulin may be considered as recommended by several guideline committees 4

Important Clinical Notes

• The disease is usually benign and self-limited, with most cases resolving without sequelae 4
• There are currently no specific antiviral agents approved for the treatment of HFMD 4
• Oral lidocaine is not recommended for pain management 2
• Early recognition and diagnosis are important to implement appropriate supportive measures and prevent spread 4