HFMD or Hand, Foot, & Mouth Disease

hfmd or hand, foot, and mouth disease contagious viral infection

HFMD is common in infants and children younger than 5 years old but can also affect adults, especially those with weak immune systems or close contact with an infected person


What is HFMD?

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a viral illness causing fever, mouth sores, and rash. It spreads quickly in schools and daycare.

Herpangina vs. HFMD

Feature
Herpangina
HFMD
Location of Sores
Confined to the back of the throat, around the tonsils and soft palate.
Present in the mouth (commonly on the tongue and inside the cheeks), and on the hands, feet, and possibly buttocks.
Fever
Often high, especially in younger children.
Lower-grade, typically during the early days of illness.
Rash
No rash is typically present.
A distinctive skin rash on the hands, feet, and possibly buttocks, which may include fluid-filled blisters and is usually not itchy.
Age Group Affected
More common in children aged 3 to 10 years.
Affects children of all ages, including adults.
Description of Sores
Small, ulcer-like lesions in the back of the throat, often making swallowing painful.
Painful sores in the mouth (often on the tongue and inside the cheeks), along with a rash.

 

HFMD vs. Chickenpox

Feature
HFMD
Chickenpox
Virus
Caused by enteroviruses.
Caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
Rash Appearance
Red spots that become small bumps, usually on hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks. Mouth sores are common.
Red spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters, starting on the torso or face before spreading.
Fever
Lower-grade, short-lived.
Widespread, longer-lasting.
Contagious Period
Contagious during the first week, especially while the rash is active.
Highly contagious 1–2 days before rash and until all blisters crust over.
Complications
Rarely, but Enterovirus 71 can cause meningitis or encephalitis.
It can cause severe complications like pneumonia, bacterial infections, and encephalitis.
Description
Rash starts as red spots and turns into bumps, usually on hands, feet, and buttocks, with mouth sores.
The itchy rash starts as red spots, turns into blisters, and forms crusts.

 

Early Signs and Key Symptoms

Symptom
Children
Adults
Fever
Mild to moderate fever.
High fever.
Rash
A skin rash appears 1–2 days after the fever. It starts as red spots that turn into small bumps on the hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks. The rash may not be itchy and can involve fluid-filled blisters. Mouth sores are also present.
Rash may also appear 1–2 days after fever but tends to be less pronounced. Mouth sores may be more noticeable, and the rash less extensive.
Mouth Sores
Painful sores inside the mouth, often on the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, and sore throat. These can make swallowing painful and lead to irritability.
Mouth sores may develop, though adults generally tolerate them better. They are typically fewer but can be more painful.
Other Symptoms
Children often experience irritability, especially due to the discomfort of mouth sores.
Adult will experience severe symptoms.

 

Causes and Transmission

hand, foot, and mouth disease treated


HFMD is caused by viruses in the enterovirus family, primarily:

●     Coxsackievirus A16: The most common cause, usually leading to mild infections.

●     Enterovirus 71 (EV71): Less common, but linked to serious complications such as swelling of the brain (encephalitis) and brain and spinal cord membrane (meningitis).

●     Other Enteroviruses: Viruses like Coxsackievirus A6 or A68 can also cause HFMD with similar symptoms, though rarely.

 

HFMD spreads through:

●     Infected Bodily Fluids: Saliva, mucus, or stool can spread the virus. Sneezing, coughing, or nose wiping may contaminate surfaces or infect others.

●     Contaminated Surfaces: Shared items like toys or doorknobs can carry the virus. Touching them and then your face may cause infection.

●     Close Contact: Common in daycare centres, schools, or family gatherings, HFMD mostly affects young children but can also infect adults in close contact.

●     Faecal-Oral Transmission: Poor handwashing after contact with contaminated faeces can spread the virus.

●     Airborne Transmission: Less common, but respiratory droplets from sneezing or coughing can also spread the virus.


Treatment and Recovery

HFMD has no specific cure, as it’s caused by a virus. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms like fever, mouth sores, and rash to ensure comfort.

Most cases are mild and resolve in 7 to 10 days.

●     Fever and Pain Relief: Over-the-counter meds like paracetamol can reduce fever and pain. Avoid giving aspirin to kids due to Reye’s syndrome. Lidocaine-based gels can numb painful mouth sores, making eating and drinking easier.

●     Hydration: Staying hydrated is key, especially for kids. Mouth sores can make swallowing painful, increasing dehydration risk. Offer cool, non-acidic drinks like water, milk, or diluted juice. Avoid acidic drinks like orange juice, which can irritate sores.

●     Mouth Care: Saltwater rinses or baking soda solutions can soothe sores. Over-the-counter numbing gels can also help.

●     Rash Relief: Use calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to ease itching. Avoid products with strong fragrances or alcohol, which can irritate the skin.


Prevention of HFMD

HFMD is highly contagious, so prevention is crucial. Follow these simple steps to reduce its spread:

 

●     Frequent Handwashing: Wash hands with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, changing nappies, or touching toys and doorknobs. Teach kids to wash their hands regularly.

●     Avoid Close Contact with Infected Individuals: Those with HFMD should limit contact with others, especially children or those with weakened immune systems. Avoid kissing, hugging, or sharing utensils.

●     Disinfect Surfaces and Shared Items: Regularly clean high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, worktops, and toys. Wash shared items with soap and water or disinfect them.

●     Limit Public Exposure: Keep children with symptoms like fever or rash home from daycare, school, or playgroups.

●     Practice Good Respiratory Hygiene: Teach kids to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and to wash hands afterward.

●     Dispose of Contaminated Items Safely: Throw away tissues, nappies, and other items with bodily fluids properly to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.


Does HFMD leave scars?

HFMD rarely causes scars. The rash starts as red spots, turns into small bumps, and may peel as it heals. Peeling on the hands and feet is normal and usually doesn’t leave scars.


Can a person have HFMD more than once?

HFMD, while relatively uncommon, can occur more than once. Whether someone develops immunity depends on the specific viral strain responsible for the initial infection.


Is there a vaccine for HFMD?

There is no vaccine for HFMD yet, but researchers are working to develop one that protects against multiple virus strains.


Get Expert Care in Malaysia

hand, foot, and mouth disease treatment

 

In Malaysia, where HFMD is common, prevention and early detection are vital. While no universal vaccine exists, regular handwashing can greatly reduce the risk.

At Prince Court Medical Centre, experienced paediatricians and a dedicated healthcare team provide accurate diagnoses and expert care for HFMD and more.

Stay vigilant, practice good hygiene, and trust Prince Court for world-class care.

 

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