What is hand-foot-and-mouth disease?
It is caused by a virus (enterovirus), it is an illness that causes sores or blisters in or on the mouth and on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks and legs. They may be painful. Children are most likely to spread the disease during the first week of the illness. The illness usually doesn’t last more than a week or so.
How is hand-foot-and-mouth disease treated?
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease usually doesn’t need treatment. Offer your child plenty of cool fluids to help with sore throat. Cold foods such as flavored ice pops and ice cream also may help. Don’t give your child acidic or spicy foods and drinks, such as salsa or orange juice. These foods can make mouth sores more painful.
For pain and fever, ask your doctor if you can give your child acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
To help prevent the disease from spreading:
If your child goes to daycare or school, talk to the staff about when your child can return.
Wash your hands frequently. It is especially important to wash your hands after you touch a blister or change the diaper of an infected child.
Teach all family members to wash their hands often. It is especially important to wash your hands after you change the diaper of an infected child.
Don’t let your child share toys or give kisses while your child is infected.