From the Research
Treatment of hand, foot, and mouth disease in children is primarily supportive, focusing on symptom management and prevention of complications, as this viral illness typically resolves on its own within 7-10 days. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, published in 2022, emphasizes the importance of early recognition and management of hand, foot, and mouth disease, particularly in severe cases caused by enterovirus A71, which can lead to serious complications such as circulatory failure and neurogenic pulmonary edema.
Key Management Strategies
- Provide acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) at age-appropriate doses to manage fever and pain, as recommended by 2 and 1.
- Ensure adequate hydration by offering cold liquids, popsicles, or ice cream to soothe throat pain.
- Avoid acidic, salty, or spicy foods that may irritate mouth sores.
- Saltwater rinses (1/2 teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water) can help older children with mouth discomfort.
- Apply topical oral anesthetics like benzocaine cautiously and only in children over 2 years.
- Keep your child home from school or daycare until fever subsides and mouth sores heal to prevent spreading the infection.
Prevention and Public Health
- Good hand hygiene is essential for prevention, as hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by enteroviruses that spread through direct contact with nasal secretions, saliva, and stool, as noted in 2 and 1.
- Vaccination of susceptible individuals in high-risk areas is an important preventative measure, although currently, there is no widely available vaccine for all strains of the virus, as discussed in 3.
Severe Cases
- Intravenous immunoglobulin should be considered for the treatment of severe or complicated hand, foot, and mouth disease, as recommended by several national and international guideline committees, according to 1.
By prioritizing supportive care, prevention of complications, and good hygiene practices, the morbidity, mortality, and quality of life outcomes for children with hand, foot, and mouth disease can be significantly improved, as supported by the recent evidence from 1.