What is hand, foot, and mouth disease? Understand this viral infection - USA TODAY

No parent ever wants to see their child hurting. Whether it's mild symptoms like a runny nose or light cough or more severe ones such as difficulty breathing, nausea, or a worrisome temperature, moms and dads are always working hard to ease their children's suffering.

Many of us also try to keep infections like the flu, RSV and COVID-19 at bay by teaching and practicing good hygiene practices such as proper handwashing and covering our mouths and noses when we cough or sneeze. 

High among the many infections that families strive to keep from spreading or getting is hand, foot, and mouth disease. 

What is hand, foot, and mouth disease? 

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral illness that causes sores in one's mouth and a rash that often consists of small, white blisters or red bumps that usually appear on one's hands and feet. It's known to be caused by a virus called coxsackievirus and can be both inconvenient and unpleasant. "Hand, foot, and mouth disease can cause painful oral ulcerations and an itchy skin rash," says Dr. Kellie Kruger, a board-certified physician in internal medicine and pediatrics at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. 

Though, as its name implies, these sores and blisters are most commonly found on one's hands, feet, and mouth, the infection isn't always limited to these places. "The classic hand, foot, and mouth rash can also be experienced on the buttocks, legs around the mouth, and is sometimes more widespread on the body," says Dr. Vikash Oza, director of pediatric dermatology at NYU Langone Health. The pain and proliferations of these sores and blisters range from mild to severe. "A low-grade fever can also occur," Oza adds; and many people report experiencing a sore throat as well. 

Kruger says that while the disease can be transmitted both at home and in public places, it's most commonly spread "wherever multiple children play together and share close contact."

Is hand, foot, and mouth disease dangerous? 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the disease "is usually not serious," but it can still be concerning under some circumstances. In addition to being inconvenient as an infected person usually has to stay away from others for several days, Kruger says the rash and bumps associated with the disease can be itchy and uncomfortable, "and the oral ulcers can be very painful." 

Hand, foot, and mouth disease can be unpleasant for anyone, but it can be especially concerning in children younger than 6 months and in people with a weakened immune system. "And the oral ulcers can sometimes result in decreased fluid intake, which could result in dehydration," cautions Oza. 

How to treat hand, foot, and mouth disease?

The best way to treat hand, foot, and mouth disease is by letting the disease run its course and easing discomfort associated with its symptoms. "The disease typically goes away on its own, typically within 1-2 weeks," says Kruger. In the meantime, any age-and-weight appropriate over-the-countermedications can be used to relieve fever and pain. Children's Tylenol and ibuprofen are often recommended, but the CDC cautions to "never give aspirin to children."

It's also important to prevent dehydration by providing kids with plenty of liquids. While healing, it's also important not to scratch or pick at related any rash or blisters as that can lead to skin irritation and bacterial infections. If symptoms are severe, if your child's fever lasts longer than 3 days, or if symptoms haven't improved within 10 days after first appearing, the CDC advises a trip to your family's primary care provider. 

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