Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious viral illness most common in infants and young children. However, adults can also develop the illness if they have exposure to the virus.
Oelberg says there is a typical progression the illness follows.
- Fever. This virus may first show as a temperature (usually 101 or 102°F) for one to two days.
- Mouth sores. After a day or two of fever, sores usually appear in the back of the mouth, but may also be on the gums, tongue and inner lips.
- Skin Rash.
HFMD mainly affects children under the age of 10, but can also affect adolescents. It spreads easily from one person to another. It is possible to contract the virus more than once, but the symptoms will be less severe.
Individuals with HFMD can be contagious during the incubation period (about three to six days) before symptoms develop and may remain contagious for days or weeks after the symptoms and signs abate. Even people with mild or no symptoms and signs during infection can be contagious.
The virus can live on contaminated surfaces for several days. Therefore, parents should clean shared toys and all surfaces potentially contaminated with disinfectant cleaners to protect against the spread of HFMD.
The symptoms are usually the same in adults and children, but they can be worse in babies and children under 5. It's possible to get hand, foot and mouth disease more than once.
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Suck on ice pops or ice chips.
- Eat ice cream or sherbet.
- Drink cold beverages, such as milk or ice water.
- Avoid acidic foods and beverages, such as citrus fruits, fruit drinks and soda.
- Avoid salty or spicy foods.
- Eat soft foods that don't require much chewing.
The blisters can be painful. Itchy rash: While an itchy rash tends to develop on the hands or feet, it can appear elsewhere on the body, such as the knees or elbows. While a child can develop all of these signs and symptoms of HFMD, most children only have a few.
HFMD became legally notifiable on 1 October 2000.
HFM is contagious and easily spreads to others through contact with unwashed hands, feces (poop), saliva (spit), mucus from the nose, or fluid from the blisters. Kids under age 5 are most at risk for HFM, as infections are common in childcare centers, preschools, and other places where kids are in close quarters.
Wash hands with soap and water and thoroughly dry them after going to the toilet, before eating, after wiping noses, and after changing nappies or soiled clothing. Avoid sharing cups, eating utensils, items of personal hygiene (for example: towels, washers and toothbrushes), and clothing (especially shoes and socks).
Rinsing the mouth with warm, salt water will soothe mouth ulcers and keep them clean. A bath with Epsom salts helps to flush out the toxins – and lavender oil has healing properties.
The Trouble With Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in AdultsBut HFMD is contagious in people of all ages. Because adults will often not show any signs of the disease, good hygiene is the key to staying healthy.
Managing HFMD includes use of fever-reducers/pain-relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), and emphasizing/monitoring hydration. Typically the rash is not painful or itchy, so you don't need to put anything on it. If it does seem to itch, you can apply 1% hydrocortisone ointment (over-the-counter).
Hand-foot-and-mouth can be prevented with frequent hand washing, especially after changing diapers; not sharing cups or eating utensils; keeping hands away from the eyes, nose or mouth; and regularly disinfecting toys and surfaces.
