Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness that usually affects young children. It is caused by various types of viruses, including the coxsackievirus and enterovirus 71. The most common symptoms of hand-foot-and-mouth disease are fever, sore throat, and a rash on the hands, feet, and inside of the mouth.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for hand-foot-and-mouth disease, and it usually resolves on its own. However, there are steps that you can take to help relieve the symptoms, such as:
• Taking over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil)
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Eating soft and bland foods
• Applying a cool compress to the rash
• Avoiding irritants, such as perfumes or lotions
• Keeping your child's nails trimmed short
• Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent hand-washing
Prevention
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is highly contagious, so it is important to take steps to prevent its spread.