Updated: 9/27/23
For parents of children ages 5 and under, hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common and highly contagious viral illness that can be both alarming and discomforting. Common symptoms include the development of painful sores on the hands, feet, or inside the mouth making it difficult for kids to complete even basic activities such as eating or playing without experiencing pain or soreness. If your child has been diagnosed with this condition then you may have several questions about HFMD: what are the causes? What are some effective treatments? We’ll answer all these questions in this blog post to help you understand how in particular young children are affected by HFMD and offer advice on how best to prevent it happening again.
What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a viral infection that is typically caused by the Enterovirus. Although most cases of HFMD occur in children, it can affect adults too. In most cases, it is not a serious infection and can be treated using over-the-counter medication and home remedies.
This disease is contagious, but it is usually not life-threatening. In most cases, patients take from a week to 10 days to recover completely without any medical treatment. However, appropriate treatment and supplements may expedite the process of recovery and help for the baby’s hands to become rash-free again.
However, severe cases of HFMD may require hospitalization and medical attention. Complications from the disease are rare. Some potential problems may include brain inflammation (encephalitis), viral meningitis and polio-like paralysis.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Symptoms
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a mild infection, but the symptoms can be noticed easily. In most cases, you will detect more than a single sign of HFMD:
Fever
Headache and fever are common symptoms in viral infections, and it doesn’t come as a surprise that they are one of the first signs of HFMD.
Sore Throat
The infected person might have mild discomfort, although a blister in the throat is also possible. Mouth sores that can be painful can also appear. These are known as herpangina.
Body Aches and Fatigue
Body aches, fatigue, and general malaise are common symptoms of HFMD. These symptoms may persist even after the other symptoms have subsided. Rest and hydration can help alleviate these symptoms.
Rash
If you notice a viral rash that your baby has developed recently, that may be an indicator of HFMD. Children will probably resort to scratching itchy hands and feet, and redness may rarely develop to blisters. You may also notice the infected person’s buttocks in a rash, as well as elbows, knees and genitals.
Tongue Blisters
A painful bump on the tongue may appear as a consequence of the hand, foot, and mouth disease. Spots on the tongue can occur, as can a rash around the mouth. Since this is a viral infection, mouth to mouth contact with the infected person is not recommended.
Reduced Appetite
Due to the blisters in the mouth, children with HFMD may experience a loss of appetite, leading to malnutrition and dehydration. It is important to make sure that fluids and nutrient-rich foods are consumed to maintain proper nutrition and hydration.
Irritability
If your child is more irritable than usual, moodiness may be caused by HFMD. They may be annoyed because of sores in the nose, or other symptoms.
Please note that one does not have to show all these symptoms to suffer from the disease. Adults may be contagious even without any of the signs above, which is why hand to hand contact is not advised if you suspect HFMD.
Is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Contagious?
HFMD is highly contagious, and the virus can spread by direct contact with an infected person’s saliva, feces, or blister fluid. The virus can also spread by touching objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, eyes, or nose. The virus is most contagious during the first week of the illness, but it can continue to be spread even after the symptoms have disappeared.
The incubation period for HFMD ranges from 3 to 7 days. During this time, an infected person may not show any signs of illness, but they can still spread the virus. Once the symptoms begin, the person is highly contagious and can spread the disease for up to two weeks.
How Does Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Start?
People with hand, foot, and mouth disease are most contagious during the first week of the illness, especially before the rash appears. However, the virus can still be present in their saliva and feces for weeks after the symptoms pass. This is why good hygiene practices are crucial in preventing the spread of the disease.
Washing hands frequently with soap and water, avoiding close contact with infected people, and disinfecting surfaces can all help reduce the risk of contracting hand, foot, and mouth disease. If you suspect that you or your child has been infected with the virus, seek medical attention promptly. While there is no specific treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease, a doctor can provide relief for the symptoms and help prevent complications.
How Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is Spread?
HFMD mostly spreads through nose and mouth secretions, coughing, and sneezing. An infected person produces millions of viruses that can live on objects for hours, if not days. The virus can live on a doorknob for up to three days, or on a toy for 24 hours. When an infected person sneezes or coughs, droplets containing the virus are released into the air. People can then contract the virus by inhaling these droplets. The virus can also spread through contact with infected feces.
Causes of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
The crucial aspect to consider is that HFMD is a contagious viral infection. The family of Picornaviridae viruses is the primary cause and carrier of this disease. Let’s take a look at the main causes of HFMD:
Coxsackievirus
The primary cause of HFMD is the Coxsackievirus, which is a member of the enterovirus family. It actually seems to be the primary factor of the disease in adults. Recurrent Coxsackieviruses in adults can lead to the appearance of HFMD as their underlying cause. These viruses are most commonly transmitted through direct contact with an infected person’s nasal and throat secretions, blisters, or feces. The virus can also survive on surfaces and objects, which can increase the risk of infection if you touch them and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes. The incubation period for HFMD is typically 3 to 5 days, and symptoms can last for up to 10 days.
Contact with an Infected Person
This is the most common way to transmit HFMD. Since the primary source of the disease is oral ingestion, that means nasal and throat secretions, blister fluids, saliva and stool are all infectious.
Being in close contact with infected individuals who have the virus is also a significant risk factor for HFMD. This includes being in close proximity to someone who sneezes or coughs, or having direct contact with their bodily fluids. HFMD is highly contagious, so it is best to avoid close contact with people who have the virus until they have recovered.
Fortunately, hand, foot, and mouth disease rarely leads to complications. When Coxsackievirus is the cause, it may develop into encephalitis or viral meningitis, which may be potentially life-threatening.
Preventing Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
None of the following guarantees prevention, but here is a list of things you can use to reduce the risk of HFMD:
Wash Your Hands Frequently
Washing your hands frequently is one of the most effective ways to prevent HFMD. Use soap and running water to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, handling garbage, blowing your nose, or caring for someone who is sick. If you cannot wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid Close Contact with Infected Individuals
HFMD is highly contagious, and the virus can spread through close contact with infected individuals. If you or your child develops HFMD, you should stay home until the blisters and lesions have healed. Avoid close contact with other people to prevent the spread of the virus. Use disposable tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of them properly.
Keep Your Environment Clean and Sanitized
The HFMD virus can survive on surfaces for several days, so it’s essential to keep your environment clean and sanitized. Use a disinfectant to clean frequently touched surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, and light switches. Wash your child’s toys regularly with soap and water, and use a bleach solution to disinfect them if they cannot be washed.
Practice Good Hygiene
Good hygiene is crucial in preventing HFMD. Encourage your child to avoid touching their face, mouth, or eyes, especially if their hands are not clean. Make sure they cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze, and dispose of the tissues properly. If you or your child has a fever or any symptoms of HFMD, seek medical attention immediately.
Boost Your Immune System
A strong immune system can help prevent HFMD and fight off the virus. Make sure you and your child eat a healthy and balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and manage stress levels to keep your immune system strong and healthy.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease for Adults
The symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease in adults are similar to those in children. You may experience a fever, sore throat, headache, and fatigue before the blisters appear. The blisters are small and can be painful, especially when touching objects or walking. They typically last for 7-10 days before fading away. In rare cases, hand, foot, and mouth disease can lead to complications like meningitis or encephalitis, but these are more likely to occur in children rather than adults.
The treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease in adults is mainly supportive care. This includes resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It’s also important to maintain good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands regularly and not sharing personal items like towels or utensils. If the blisters become infected, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
While it’s not typically a severe illness for adults, it can be uncomfortable and unpleasant to deal with. By practicing good hygiene habits and seeking medical attention if your symptoms are severe, you can prevent the spread of hand, foot, and mouth disease and ensure that you recover as quickly as possible. Stay healthy and safe, and remember to always take care of yourself and those around you.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Treatment
Before the treatment starts, a medical professional should confirm the diagnosis. The expert will consider the age of the patient, as well as the environment of exposure. Thus, these assessments will also foster a thorough check of mouth sores and rashes.
It is not obligatory to visit a doctor if you notice HFMD symptoms because the chances are your body will deal with it on its own. However, it is essential to make an appointment with the doctor if the blisters are so severe that you have problems taking fluids.
Visiting a medical professional can also speed up recovery. Although there is no treatment for the actual HFMD, doctors can suggest treatment options to manage the symptoms better. Antiviral supplements may be the recommended treatment, but you may also resort to some hand, foot, and mouth disease home remedies. Those may ease your discomfort and help to reduce the fever.
Coconut Oil for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Coconut oil is famous for its antiviral properties, and that is the reason why it may help with HFMD. If possible, swish the oil into your mouth for about 15 minutes daily. This may be tricky, especially if the patient is young. It is vital that they do not swallow the coconut oil as that may have more drawbacks than benefits. The goal of this oil pulling treatment is to detoxify the mouth. You can also use other oils for this treatment, but coconut oil is known as the most effective herpangina home remedy.
Manage the Symptoms with Pain Relievers
One of the most common symptoms of HFMD is a sore throat and mouth ulcers, making it extremely painful to eat or drink. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help relieve the pain. Over-the-counter numbing sprays and mouthwashes can also be effective.
It is important to note that aspirin should not be administered to children under the age of 12 years old with HFMD. This is because it is associated with the development of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can cause liver and brain damage.
Treat the Fever
Fever is another symptom of HFMD that can make you or your child feel weak and uncomfortable. You can lower the fever by giving acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). It is important to follow the instructions provided on the packaging closely and not to exceed the recommended dose.
If the fever persists after 3 to 5 days, contact your doctor or healthcare provider as this could be an indication of another underlying medical condition.
Get Plenty of Rest
Getting adequate sleep and rest can help your body to fight off the infection. Make sure to rest as much as possible, and avoid stressful activities. This will give your immune system enough time to fight the virus.
Follow Standard Precautions
As HFMD is highly contagious, it is important to take standard precautions to prevent the spread of the disease. Make sure to wash your hands frequently, especially after coming into contact with the infected person’s bodily fluids. You should also avoid sharing food, drinks, and utensils.
What to Eat or Drink When Dealing with HFMD?
It is imperative to drink plenty of fluids in order to avoid dehydration. Avoid fruit juices and stick to water. When it comes to food, sore throat and blisters may force you to eat soft foods. Avoid anything spicy or hot, but make sure to consume enough nutrients daily.
Supplements for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Supplements may also be a useful treatment for HFMD. Here is the list of supplements you can consider to address this disease:
Astragalus
Ancient Chinese cultures used this plant in treating various illnesses. This is not a single plant, but an entire genus of more than 3,000 species. The potential benefits of the plant include boosting the immune system, as well as helping to prevent and deal with flu and cold-like symptoms. Since it has antioxidant properties, astragalus can be beneficial to prevent oxidative stress. It also assists in increasing energy levels, which might help in dealing with malaise.
The recommended dosage of astragalus is 1,300 mg every day. A medical professional may alter the dosage. It is recommended to take the supplement with meals.
Ginger
This spice is used in many cuisines around the world, but did you know that many consider ginger a superfood? It has antioxidant characteristics, and it can also combat inflammation. Additionally, it can act as an analgesic, which may help in alleviating pain and discomfort.
Aside from adding this spice to your foods, you can take a supplement in the form of extract powder. The suggested dosage for ginger is around 1,000 mg per day. It is vital to consume it with plenty of water, or it may lead to heartburn.
Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea originates from South Africa, and it has significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. It can also promote digestion and assist in dealing with allergies. Since it has a beneficial effect on the skin, rooibos tea may assist in soothing rashes caused by HFMD.
Tea Tree Oil
The interesting fact about tea tree oil is that it is derived from a plant that originates in Australia. It has the scientific name of Melaleuca alternifolia, and it has been used in Australian medicine for over a century. It may have antiviral, anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties, which means it can help you to detoxify your mouth and body.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a Latin name for a total of nine plant species. These species belong to the same family, and they have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The potential benefits of echinacea include treating bacterial infections and other symptoms that frequently appear in patients with a cold.
Echinacea boosts the immune system, and you can consume it in various forms. Extract powder is always a smart option because it secures a high level of purity and efficiency. The recommended dosage is 450 mg, taken one or two times per day. It may be wise to consult with a medical professional before establishing the right dose.
Elderberry Root
Elderberry is frequently used in many traditional medicines throughout the world. The ancient Egyptians and Native Americans both used it to deal with burns and boost overall appearance. Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it can also help with flu and cold-like symptoms.
The high amount of nutrients can promote immune system and digestion and protect against oxidative stress thanks to a high concentration of flavonoids. The suggested dosage for elderberry is from 1,000 mg to 3,000 mg daily.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and immune booster that can help alleviate the symptoms of HFMD. It contains a compound called curcumin which has been shown to reduce inflammation and pain. Turmeric can be taken as a supplement in pill or powdered form, or added to foods like curries, stir-fries, and smoothies.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in immune system function. It helps to increase white blood cell production, fight off infections, and reduce inflammation. You can get vitamin C from foods like citrus fruits, bell peppers, and leafy greens or take supplements in a pill or powdered form.
Zinc
Zinc is another important mineral that helps to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. It can be found in foods like oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds, or taken as a supplement in tablet or spray form. Zinc supplements can also help reduce the duration and severity of HFMD symptoms.
The Bottom Line
Hand, foot, and mouth disease shouldn’t be a serious threat to your health. In most cases, it takes between a week or two to complete the recovery process. However, since HFMD is a viral infection and is contagious, patients should stay at home until their sores and blisters heal.
A specific treatment doesn’t exist, but you can use natural home remedies and nutritional supplements to speed up the recovery. Drinking plenty of fluids and consuming enough nutrients is essential. If the blisters are too severe to consume food or beverages, you should visit a doctor immediately.
In conclusion, while there is no specific cure for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, natural supplements can help alleviate the symptoms and speed up the healing process. Herbal supplements like Elderberry, Turmeric, and Echinacea have powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C and Zinc can also help boost the immune system and reduce the duration and severity of HFMD symptoms. Before starting any supplements, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to make sure they are safe and right for you. By including these natural supplements in your HFMD recovery plan, you can help support your body’s natural healing process and feel better faster.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease