Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease – Pediatric
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a viral infection (caused by enteroviruses), generally mild, that most commonly affects children under 5 years of age (with the highest incidence in children between 1 and 3 years old).
Symptoms
After a few days of fever (up to 39°C / 102°F) and cold-like symptoms, small blisters (vesicles) appear inside and outside the mouth (gums, palate, tongue), as well as on the hands, feet, and diaper area. These lesions dry out and disappear in approximately one week. They are not itchy.
Treatment
- Your pediatrician will recommend symptomatic treatment for both fever and pain caused by mouth ulcers (oral pain relievers and topical preparations that soothe pain and aid healing).
- Avoid giving hot, acidic, or salty foods, as they may cause discomfort.
- Offer the child their usual diet in small, frequent meals.
- Provide cool liquids in small, frequent amounts to ensure proper hydration.
- To prevent secondary infection of the blisters, clean them with soap and water and keep them dry. The child’s nails should be kept short.
Course of the Disease
- In most cases, it is a mild condition that resolves without complications.
- In some children, nail peeling or shedding may occur 5–6 weeks later. Transverse ridges may also appear on the nails. This is not painful, and the nails recover over weeks to months.
- In rare cases, neurological complications may occur.
- The disease can recur, as it can be caused by different viruses.