Hand, foot, and mouth disease: definition and symptoms
Enteroviruses, which include various pathogens, cause hand, foot, and mouth disease. Common in young children (aged 6 months to 4 years), it is generally harmless but highly contagious. This infection occurs more often during the summer, in mini-epidemics, and in early fall.
Does your child have small blisters in their mouth, on the palms of their hands, the soles of their feet, and on their buttocks? Does he or she have a moderate fever? It is most likely hand, foot, and mouth disease. Common symptoms include:
- a rash on the hands, feet, and buttocks
- a sore throat, due to mouth ulcers and ulcers at the back of the throat
- a mild to moderate fever
- headaches
- loss of appetite
A few days after infection, red spots and blisters (like bubbles filled with fluid) form simultaneously on all affected parts of the body. This viral infection can also cause coughing, a runny nose, diarrhea, and vomiting.
How can you treat your baby?
Treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease is primarily symptomatic: it mainly consists of relieving symptoms with painkillers and fever reducers. If your child has a fever above 101.3°F (38.5°C) and is uncomfortable, you can give them paracetamol. If they complain of pain, particularly caused by mouth and throat ulcers, you can alternate between paracetamol and ibuprofen. In some children, the use of antiseptics and local anesthetics may be considered to relieve mouth pain, on medical advice.
The rashes are harmless, but avoid breaking the blisters as this will slow down the healing process.
Our advice: As mouth ulcers are painful, make sure your child drinks enough to avoid the risk of dehydration. Choose water or milk rather than fruit juices and sodas. If your child has difficulty eating, offer them compotes, yogurts, or ice cream.
If you are concerned about your child's condition or if it worsens, consult your pediatrician or contact the pediatric emergency room, especially if:
- they have not urinated for 8 hours
- they have a severe headache and light hurts their eyes
- they have chest pain or difficulty breathing
- they show signs of dehydration
- they vomit frequently
FAQ
Is hand, foot, and mouth disease contagious?
Yes, it is very contagious, especially during the first week of the illness, and can also affect adults. The virus is very resistant and is transmitted through direct or indirect contact: saliva, droplets from the nose and mouth, objects and food infected with blisters, and feces. The incubation period lasts between 3 and 6 days. Your child can go to daycare or school if their condition allows it and they no longer have a fever.
How long does hand, foot, and mouth disease last?
In general, the infection clears up spontaneously after a week. However, the virus can remain present in the stool for several weeks or even months after the onset of the disease. The skin blisters usually disappear after a week, while the mouth lesions may persist longer.
What are the possible complications?
The most common complication of hand, foot, and mouth disease is dehydration, which occurs when the child has difficulty drinking or eating due to mouth and throat sores. Some complications, although very rare, can also affect young children, including myocarditis, viral meningitis, and pneumonia.
In some cases, a rare complication is temporary nail loss (from the hands or feet), which can occur a few weeks after infection. This is usually not serious, and the nails grow back normally.
Is my child immune once they have recovered from hand, foot, and mouth disease?
Once your child has recovered, they are immune to the specific virus that caused the infection. However, as there are many viruses that cause this disease, it is still possible for them to be infected by another virus of the same type.
How can hand, foot, and mouth disease be prevented?
Good hygiene and simple measures can effectively reduce the risk of transmission:
- Wash your hands and your child's hands after each diaper change, after wiping their nose, before meals, and before giving them medicine.
- Disinfect surfaces that come into contact with feces or secretions, as well as toys, as soon as the rash appears.
- Avoid close contact with infected people.
What are the risks for pregnant women?
If you are pregnant and have been in contact with someone who is sick, follow strict hygiene measures to limit the risk of infection. If symptoms appear, consult a doctor immediately. If the diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor will determine the appropriate treatment to relieve your symptoms and reduce your discomfort.
Can I breastfeed my baby if they have hand, foot, and mouth disease?
The virus is not transmitted through breast milk, so breastfeeding is not contraindicated in cases of infection with this disease. As it is highly contagious, you may already have antibodies that protect you, in which case you are not at risk. If you do not have protective antibodies, you may become infected, regardless of how you breastfeed.
Key points
Hand, foot, and mouth disease, although highly contagious, is generally mild and symptoms disappear after a week. Treatment is primarily symptomatic. If your child has mouth or throat ulcers, make sure they stay hydrated. Consult a pediatrician promptly if their condition worsens or causes you concern. Good hygiene is the best prevention against the spread of infection.