Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. This Is What You NEED to Do!
If your child shows signs of hand, foot, and mouth disease, focus on keeping them comfortable and hydrated. Offer cold treats to soothe mouth sores, use calamine lotion for rashes, and give acetaminophen for pain relief. Keep them home until symptoms resolve, typically within 7-10 days. Practice strict hand washing and surface cleaning to prevent spread. Watch for dehydration or high fever – there’s much more you’ll need to know about managing this common childhood illness.
What Is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral infection that mainly affects young children, typically under the age of 5.
You’ll find it’s highly contagious and spreads easily through close personal contact, coughing, sneezing, and contact with contaminated surfaces.
If your child develops this condition, you’ll notice telltale signs like fever, sore throat, and a general feeling of being unwell.
The distinguishing feature is the appearance of small, blister-like sores in your child’s mouth and on their hands and feet.
While it may sound alarming, you can take comfort knowing that most cases are mild and resolve on their own within 7-10 days.
Many parents have successfully managed this condition at home, though it’s important to maintain good hygiene practices to prevent spreading it to others.
Identifying the Most Common Symptoms
Understanding the symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease will help you spot it early in your child. The first signs typically appear as fever, reduced appetite, and sore throat. Your little one might feel irritable and uncomfortable during this initial phase.
Within a day or two, you’ll notice painful sores developing in your child’s mouth and throat. These sores often make it difficult for them to eat or drink.
A red rash with small blisters will then appear on their hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks. The spots don’t usually itch but might be tender when touched.
You’re likely to see your child drooling more than usual due to painful swallowing. They may also refuse food and drinks, which many parents in your situation find concerning.
Natural Remedies and Home Care Tips
While medical treatment isn’t typically needed for hand, foot, and mouth disease, several natural remedies can provide relief for your child.
Try offering cold treats like sugar-free popsicles or ice cream to soothe mouth sores and ensure proper hydration. You can also create a mixture of warm salt water for gentle mouth rinsing.
Keep your little one comfortable by dressing them in loose clothing and maintaining a cool room temperature. Calamine lotion can help relieve the itching from rashes, while acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce fever and pain.
A baking soda bath may also ease skin discomfort.
Remember to focus on hydration – offer plenty of cool liquids, but avoid acidic drinks that might irritate mouth sores. Let your child rest as much as needed during recovery.
Medical Treatment Options
Though home remedies can help manage symptoms, some cases may require medical attention. Your doctor might prescribe medications to ease severe pain or recommend specific treatments for persistent fever.
If your child’s dehydration becomes concerning, they may need IV fluids at the hospital.
While there’s no specific antiviral medication for hand, foot, and mouth disease, your healthcare provider can offer prescription mouthwashes or sprays to numb mouth pain. They’ll also monitor complications like encephalitis or meningitis, which are rare but serious.
Remember, you’re not alone – many parents seek medical help for their children’s symptoms.
Contact your doctor immediately if you notice signs of dehydration, extremely high fever, or unusual drowsiness. They’ll determine if additional treatment is necessary to keep your loved ones comfortable and safe.
Preventing the Spread of the Disease
Since hand, foot, and mouth disease spreads easily through close contact, practicing good hygiene is essential.
You’ll need to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after changing diapers and using the bathroom. Don’t forget to teach your children proper handwashing techniques too.
Keep your home clean by regularly disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, toys, and doorknobs.
If someone in your family has the disease, make sure they don’t share utensils, cups, or personal items with others.
You should also keep infected children home from school or daycare until their fever is gone and their blisters have healed.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease resolve on their own within 7-10 days, but you should contact your healthcare provider if symptoms become severe or concerning.
You’ll want to seek immediate medical attention if your child shows signs of dehydration, including decreased urination, dry mouth, or lethargy.
Call your doctor if your child’s fever persists beyond three days or reaches above 102°F (39°C). Also, get medical help if mouth sores make drinking or eating too painful.
Watch for signs of skin infection, such as warmth, redness, or swelling around blisters.
If your child experiences unusual drowsiness, severe headache, stiff neck, or seizures, head to the emergency room.
While these complications are rare, it’s better to err on the side of caution when your little one’s health is at stake.
Essential Tips for Caregivers and Parents
While caring for a child with hand, foot, and mouth disease can feel overwhelming, there are several practical steps you can take to ease their discomfort and prevent spreading the virus.
Keep your child hydrated with cold fluids and offer frozen treats to soothe their sore throat. Use over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen to manage fever and discomfort. Maintain good hygiene by washing hands frequently and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces.
Create a comforting environment by dressing your child in loose clothing and keeping their fingernails trimmed to prevent scratching.
Don’t forget to take care of yourself too – the virus is contagious, so wash your hands often and avoid close contact with your child’s saliva or blister fluid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Adults Get Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
Yes, you can definitely get hand, foot, and mouth disease as an adult. While it’s more common in children, you’re not immune, so be careful around those who are infected.
Is It Safe to Swim in Pools During an Outbreak?
You shouldn’t swim in public pools while you’re infected, as you can spread the virus to others. Wait until your blisters have healed and your doctor gives you clearance.
How Long Should Children Stay Home From Daycare After Infection?
You should keep your child home until they’re fever-free for 24 hours and their sores have dried up. Most doctors recommend staying home 5-7 days after symptoms first appear.
Can Someone Get Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Twice?
Yes, you can get it multiple times since there are different strains. While you’ll have immunity to the strain you caught, you’re still susceptible to others, just like with colds.
Does the Virus Remain Contagious After Symptoms Disappear?
You can still spread the virus even after your symptoms are gone. You’re typically contagious for about 1-2 weeks, so it’s important to maintain good hygiene during this time.
