Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

(Vesicular Stomatitis With Exanthem)

Definition

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common illness in infants and children. It is characterized by fever, sores in the mouth, and a rash on the hands and feet. It occurs in warmer months. It is transmitted primarily between humans by direct contact with secretions from the nose and throat, saliva, fluid from blisters, or the feces of those who have HFMD.

Causes

HFMD is caused by a virus from a group of viruses called enteroviruses.

Risk Factors

The following factors increase the risk of HFMD:

Contact with someone who is infected
Age: children under 10 years old

Symptoms

Mild fever
Poor appetite
Discomfort
Sore throat
Painful sores in the mouth
Skin rash that does not itch, usually on the palms of hands and soles of feet

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Your doctor may need samples of bodily tissues and waste products. This can be done with:

Throat swab
Stool specimen

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for HFMD. Treatment is focused on relieving fever, aches, and pain associated with the illness. Medicines may be given to help relieve the pain related to the sores in the mouth.

Prevention

To help reduce the risk of HFMD:

Wash your hands frequently, especially after diaper changes.
Clean contaminated surfaces with soap and water followed by a diluted solution of chlorine-containing bleach. (Mix about 1/4 cup of bleach with one gallon water.)
Avoid close contact with children with HFMD.

RESOURCES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Pediatric Society http://www.cps.ca/

Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/

References

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated July 13, 2012. Accessed January 2, 2013.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/index.html . Updated May 29, 2012. Accessed January 2, 2012.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Brian Randall, MD
Review Date: 11/2012
Update Date: 11/26/2012

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.