Hand-foot-and-mouth disease

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a mild illness caused by a virus. Symptoms of the disease include a sore mouth and small blisters that may occur in the mouth, on the palms of the hands, or on the soles of the feet. Human hand-foot-and-mouth disease is not related to hoof and mouth disease in cattle.

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease affects toddlers primarily, but may occur at any age. It appears most often in warm weather, usually in the summer or early fall. It often occurs in small epidemics in nursery schools or day care centers. It is not unusual for more than half of the children in a school or day care center to have the disease at any one time.

The risk of contracting hand-foot-and-mouth disease can be reduced by frequent handwashing, avoiding exposure to others who have the disease, and not sharing toys during the infection. Most adults are thought to have become immune to hand-foot-and-mouth disease in early childhood. As with most infectious diseases, pregnant women should consult their physician if exposed to hand-foot-and-mouth disease. The person is contagious during the course of the illness for around 7 to 10 days.

Symptoms of hand-foot-and-mouth disease appear 3 to 6 days after exposure and may include:

• a mild fever of 100 to 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 to 39 degrees Centigrade)
• loss of appetite
• sore throat
• a sore mouth and
• a general feeling of weakness or tiredness

Within a day or two, small blisters develop. These blisters may range in size from one-eighth to one-quarter of an inch, or no larger than a green pea. A small area of redness surrounds them. The number of fluid-filled blisters may vary from just a few to hundreds on the skin.

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease blisters generally appear:

• in the mouth
• top, palm, and between the fingers of the hands
• top, sides, soles, and between the toes of the feet and
• on the buttocks, upper arms, upper legs, or genitals

Blisters located outside the mouth generally do not cause itching or pain. The disease is usually mild and lasts only a few days to a week. Most blisters disappear without ulcerating or cracking. However, some may form shallow, painful ulcers that look similar to canker sores. If the mouth is sore, avoid eating or drinking citrus and salty or spicy foods.

A normal course of hand-foot-and-mouth disease is usually so mild and complications so rare that a trip to the healthcare provider is not required. It can be confused with chickenpox.

There is no specific treatment for hand-foot-and-mouth disease. The only medication healthcare providers usually recommend is an over-the-counter aspirin substitute like Tylenol or Panadol. Aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Taking aspirin is a risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome. Non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. NSAIDs should not be taken by anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding with trauma, dental work, surgery, or if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants). Acetaminophen should not be taken by anyone with known liver or kidney disease. Do not drink alcohol when taking more than 1 dose of acetaminophen.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File INFE4739.Rf2 VRS# 4739 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999-2000, 2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.