HAND FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE

What is Hand Foot and Mouth Disease ?

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a mild illness that occurs most often in childhood. Children develop small pearly white blisters on their hands and fingers, feet and toes, and on their lips, tongue, and on the inside of their cheeks. Sometimes all these places will be affected and sometimes just one or two. The affected areas may be slightly sore. The child will be mildly unwell and may have a slightly raised temperature. The illness will settle within 7 days and leaves no after effects. It is infectious and can spread round schools and nurseries.

How does Hand Foot and Mouth Disease occur ?

Hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by an infection with a virus called coxsackie. It is very contagious (easily passed on by touch) and spreads from child to child.

Why does Hand Foot and Mouth Disease occur ?

Viruses are a common cause of infection. An infected person will build up a resistance and get rid of the virus, but may have passed it on to other people before this happens. An infection like hand foot and mouth disease may spread through a school or nursery, and affect all the people who have not had it before.

Treatment Involved for Hand Foot and Mouth Disease

Paracetemol can help with the temperature and any soreness. There is no need for creams and ointments, and the blisters do not need covering. It is a good idea not to send a child with hand, foot and mouth disease to nursery or school while they have the blisters, since this is the highly infectious stage of the condition.

During Treatment for Hand Foot and Mouth Disease

The illness runs a mild course and settles within a few days.

After Treatment for Hand Foot and Mouth Disease

When the blisters have healed, the child is not infectious and can go back to school or nursery. There are no long-term effects.

If Hand Foot and Mouth Disease is Left Untreated

The illness settles within a week without treatment.

Effects on Family of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease

Other children may catch the disease but it is always mild. A child with any infection should stay away from people who have a reduced resistance to infection, such as people on chemotherapy or steroid treatment.