Does your child have mouth ulcers along with rashes on their hands and feet? While these symptoms may sometimes be mistaken for a common viral fever, they could indicate Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), a contagious viral infection commonly seen in daycare and school-going children.
In this blog, Dr. Ganesh Badge, Pediatric Intensivist and Consultant at Momstory, Hadapsar, Pune, explains the common symptoms of HFMD, how it spreads, and how parents can care for their children during the infection.
What Is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects young children. It commonly causes mouth ulcers and a skin rash on the hands and feet.
The infection spreads easily among children in daycare centres, preschools, and schools because of close contact. Although the symptoms can be uncomfortable, most children recover with supportive care.
What Are the Symptoms of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?
The symptoms of HFMD can vary from child to child. Common signs include:
1. Mouth Ulcers
Painful sores or ulcers may develop inside the mouth. These can make swallowing uncomfortable, causing children to eat less or refuse fluids.
2. Rashes on the Hands and Feet
Small red spots or blisters may appear on the palms, soles, and other parts of the hands and feet.
3. Rashes on Other Parts of the Body
Although the rash typically affects the hands and feet, it may also appear around the elbows, knees, and back of the thighs.
4. Fever
Children may develop a fever during the infection. Fever, together with painful mouth ulcers, can make them feel uncomfortable and less interested in eating or drinking.
If your child has these symptoms, consult a paediatrician for an appropriate diagnosis, as other viral infections can cause similar symptoms.
How Does Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Spread?
HFMD spreads from an infected person to others through close contact. Transmission can occur through:
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Contact with saliva or nasal secretions.
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Contact with fluid from skin blisters.
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Contact with infected stool, including during diaper changes.
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Contaminated toys, surfaces, and objects.
Because children often share toys and interact closely, the infection can spread quickly in daycare and school settings.
How Is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Treated?
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not treat the infection itself. Treatment mainly focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing dehydration while the child’s body recovers.
1. Maintain Adequate Hydration
Mouth ulcers can make drinking painful, increasing the risk of dehydration. Encourage your child to take frequent small sips of fluids. Cool fluids and age-appropriate soft foods may be easier to tolerate.
Monitor your child’s fluid intake and urine output, particularly if they are refusing drinks.
2. Manage Fever and Discomfort
If your child has a fever or pain, consult your paediatrician about suitable medication and the correct dose for their age and weight. Avoid giving medication without appropriate guidance.
3. Monitor Your Child’s Recovery
Most children recover with supportive care. However, regular observation is important to ensure they are drinking enough, passing urine, and remaining reasonably alert.
If your child is unable to drink because of painful mouth ulcers, contact your paediatrician promptly.
How Can Parents Prevent the Spread of HFMD?
Good hygiene practices can help reduce the spread of infection at home and in childcare settings.
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Wash hands regularly: Use soap and water, especially after diaper changes and toilet visits.
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Clean toys and surfaces: Frequently disinfect commonly touched objects and play areas.
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Avoid sharing personal items: Do not share cups, utensils, towels, or other items that may carry infected secretions.
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Limit close contact during illness: Keep your child away from daycare or school while unwell and follow your healthcare provider’s advice on when they can return.
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Maintain respiratory and personal hygiene: Teach children to cover coughs and sneezes and to avoid touching their mouth sores.
These measures can help lower the risk of transmission to siblings, classmates, and other family members.
When Should You Consult a Doctor?
Although most children recover without major complications, some may develop dehydration or other problems that require medical attention.
Seek prompt medical care if your child:
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Becomes unusually sleepy, lethargic, or difficult to wake.
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Has a high or persistent fever.
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Has difficulty breathing.
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Refuses fluids or is unable to drink.
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Passes urine significantly less often than usual or shows other signs of dehydration.
Do not delay medical evaluation if your child’s condition is worsening or you are concerned about their symptoms.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in Children: Key Takeaways
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is a common, contagious viral infection in young children. Mouth ulcers, rashes on the hands and feet, and fever are among its typical symptoms.
The main priorities are to maintain hydration, manage fever and discomfort appropriately, practise good hygiene, and reduce the spread of infection. Antibiotics are not effective against the virus, and children with warning signs should be assessed promptly by a doctor.
At Momstory, Hadapsar, Pune, parents can seek paediatric guidance to understand their child’s symptoms and receive appropriate care.
