Premium Nahrungsergänzungsmittel | artgerecht

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a contagious viral illness that mainly affects young children, causing blisters on the hands, feet, and sores inside the mouth.

Regular tips about health Regular tips about health

Things worth knowing about "Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease"

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a contagious viral illness that mainly affects young children, causing blisters on the hands, feet, and sores inside the mouth.

What is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common, contagious viral infection that primarily affects infants and children under the age of five. It is characterized by a distinctive rash or blisters on the hands and feet, as well as painful sores in the mouth. In most cases, the illness is mild and resolves on its own within one to two weeks.

Causes

HFMD is caused by enteroviruses, most commonly Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71). The viruses spread easily through:

Direct contact with an infected person's saliva, blister fluid, or faeces (stool)
Droplet transmission via sneezing or coughing
Contact with contaminated surfaces or objects such as toys and doorknobs

Outbreaks occur worldwide but are most common in summer and autumn. Children in nurseries, daycare centres, and schools are at particularly high risk due to close contact with others.

Symptoms

After an incubation period of three to seven days, the following symptoms typically appear:

Fever (usually 38–39 °C)
General feeling of being unwell, fatigue, and loss of appetite
Painful blisters and ulcers (aphthae) inside the mouth, on the tongue and gums
A red rash or blisters on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and between fingers and toes
Occasionally, a rash on the buttocks or legs

Mouth sores can make swallowing painful, causing children to refuse food and drink. In rare cases, particularly with Enterovirus 71 infections, serious complications such as viral meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain) or encephalitis (brain inflammation) may develop.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually made clinically, based on the characteristic appearance of the blisters and rash, together with the patient's age and medical history. Laboratory tests are generally not needed. In severe or atypical cases, a throat swab or stool sample may be tested to identify the specific virus responsible.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment for HFMD. Management is therefore supportive and symptomatic:

Fever and pain relief: Paracetamol or ibuprofen may be used to reduce fever and ease discomfort (always follow medical advice regarding dosage).
Adequate fluid intake: Staying well-hydrated is essential to prevent dehydration. Cool drinks and soft foods can make swallowing more comfortable.
Oral hygiene: Gentle mouth rinses may help soothe mouth sores.

Infected children should stay home from school or daycare until they are fever-free and no new blisters are appearing, in order to prevent further spread. A vaccine against Enterovirus 71 is approved in some Asian countries but is not yet available in Europe or North America as of 2024.

Hygiene and Prevention

Since no vaccine is widely available outside of Asia, good hygiene practices are the most effective preventive measures:

Regular and thorough handwashing with soap and water
Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
Regularly cleaning and disinfecting toys and frequently touched surfaces
Not sharing utensils, cups, or towels

References

World Health Organization (WHO): A guide to clinical management and public health response for hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). WHO Press, 2011.
Esposito S, Principi N. Hand, foot and mouth disease: current knowledge on clinical manifestations, epidemiology, aetiology and prevention. European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 2018.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) – For Healthcare Professionals. www.cdc.gov

Building Blocks for a Healthy Life

As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.