Hand-Foot-And-Mouth Disease (HFMD)

What Is Hand-Foot-And-Mouth Disease?

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a contagious viral infection affecting children under five years of age. Coxsackievirus, which belongs to the enterovirus genus, is the virus that is responsible for most cases of HFMD. It can be spread through direct contact from person to person and is characterized by blisters and sores on the hands, feet, and mouth.

What Causes Hand-Foot-And-Mouth Disease?

HFMD is mainly caused by the viruses coxsackievirus A16 and enterovirus 71. But, other strains of coxsackievirus and enterovirus can also cause this disease. The infection primarily affects young children and adults. The virus enters the body through the mouth or respiratory tract, where it replicates the mucous membranes of the intestines and throat. From there it can spread to lymph nodes and other organs, causing symptoms, like fever and sore throat. Poor hygiene practices and close contact with an infected person can lead to the development of the condition.

How Is Hand-Foot-And-Mouth Disease Spread?

The virus spreads by direct contact with an infected person and oral ingestion of infected food or water. It also spreads if an individual comes in contact with an infected person:

• Nasal secretions.

• Throat secretions.

• Saliva.

• Stool.

• Fluid from blisters.

The infected child is most contagious during the first week of the illness but can still infect others for weeks after the symptoms are gone. Infected adults can pass this infection even without showing any symptoms. This disease is more common in summer and autumn.

What Are the Risk Factors for Hand-Foot-And-Mouth Disease?

Children under five years of age who go to daycare centers and playschools are more susceptible to getting infected with this virus. This is because of frequent diaper changes and the child’s habit of putting their hands in their mouth. As the child grows old, they develop immunity to this disease, as they develop antibodies against this virus after getting infected the first time. Therefore, it is rarely seen in adolescents and adults.

Does Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Affect Pregnant Woman?

Although there is no significant risk for babies and pregnant women, it is best to stay away from anyone infected with hand, foot, and mouth disease for the following reasons.

• High temperature during the first trimester of pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, but it is rare.

• If hand, foot, and mouth disease is acquired just a few weeks before giving birth, it can lead to transmission of infection to the baby as well.

Hence, it is better to consult a general physician or a specialist if an individual comes in contact with a person infected with hand, foot, and mouth disease.

What Are the Symptoms Associated with Hand-Foot-And-Mouth Disease?

The symptoms usually develop three to seven days after the person gets infected with the virus. Some of the symptoms seen are:

• Fever.

• Runny nose.

• Poor appetite.

• Red and painful lesions on the gums, oral mucosa, and cheeks, which resemble blisters.

• Non-itchy, red rash on the palms, soles, and buttocks.

• Fatigue.

• Irritability.

• Fussiness in infants and toddlers.

• Headache.

• Sore throat.

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

• Painful swallowing.

Fever is usually the first sign of this disease, which is followed by a sore throat, poor appetite, and malaise. The other disease that can cause fever with sores in the throat and back of the mouth in children is herpangina (viral illness), which is also caused by coxsackievirus.

How Is Hand-Foot-And-Mouth Disease Diagnosed?

The doctor might diagnose this condition by examining the rashes and blisters on the mouth and body and enquiring about other symptoms. The doctor may inquire about recent exposures to individuals with HFMD or outbreaks in community settings, such as schools, school camps, and day care. Then, if needed, they might take a throat swab or stool sample, which will be tested for the presence of the virus.

How Is Hand-Foot-And-Mouth Disease Treated?

• As such, there is no specific treatment for HFMD. The signs and symptoms of this disease usually resolve in seven to 10 days.

• For pain relief, topical anesthetic gels and anti-itch lotions can be applied to the rashes and blisters.

• Paracetamol can be taken to reduce fever.

• A mouthwash containing a combination of antacid (acid-reducing agent), a liquid antihistamine (anti-allergic), and a painkiller can be used to reduce pain during swallowing.

• No antibiotics are required to treat hand-foot-and-mouth disease, but if the child develops a secondary infection, the doctor might consider giving antibiotics.

• Make sure to drink plenty of water. However, it may be difficult due to the mouth sores.

What Are the Home Remedies for Hand-Foot-And-Mouth Disease?

The following are some tips that can help relieve pain:

• Eat ice cream and other cool food items.

• Take smoothies and yogurt to soothe a sore throat.

• Drink cold milk, juice, and water.

• Avoid citrus and aerated drinks as they might aggravate the pain caused by mouth blisters.

• Avoid spicy, hot, and salty foods.

• Consume liquid to semi-liquid foods.

• Tell the child to rinse the mouth with warm water after every meal.

What Are the Complications of Hand-Foot-And-Mouth Disease?

It is usually a minor illness, but in rare cases, it can cause complications like:

• Dehydration - The most common complication.

• Viral Meningitis - Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

• Encephalitis - Inflammation of the brain.

• Myocarditis - Inflammation of the heart muscle.

• Paralysis - Partial or complete loss of muscle function.

• Nail Loss - Individuals affected with the virus also experience loss of fingernails and toenails.

How Can Hand-Foot-And-Mouth Disease Be Prevented?

There is no vaccine available to prevent this disease, but certain precautions that can be taken to reduce the risk are:

• Wash the hands thoroughly and frequently.

• Areas like daycare centers and playschools should be disinfected with soap and water and then with diluted chlorine bleach.

• Educate the child about the ill effects of putting the hands and other objects in the mouth.

• Prevent going out if an individual has this disease until all symptoms disappear.

• The symptoms like fever and blisters usually clear up within a week. But if the symptoms persist even after a week and if an individual starts experiencing any complications, then please consult a physician online. HFMD rarely causes a medical emergency.

Conclusion:

Although hand, foot, and mouth disease have mild symptoms, leading quality time for a few weeks is still challenging until they resolve. In addition, the condition is highly contagious and can quickly spread from person to person. Hence, it is crucial to avoid contact with the infected person and to stay isolated if infected. Furthermore, if the minimal home remedies do not help, consulting a doctor is essential to get suggestions for symptomatic relief and remain virus-free.