HFMD (Hand, Foot, and
Mouth Disease): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment | Noble Hospital
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common
viral infection that mainly affects infants and young children. It
is characterized by fever, mouth sores, and a distinctive rash on the
hands and feet.
At Noble Hospital, our pediatric specialists
emphasize that while HFMD can look alarming, it is usually a mild and
self-limiting illness. With the right care, most children recover within 7
to 10 days without complications.
HFMD Full Form and Meaning
HFMD stands for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
— a contagious viral illness commonly seen in children under 10 years of age.
It is named after its characteristic rash and blisters
on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth. It is important to note that
HFMD in humans is not related to foot-and-mouth disease found in
animals.
HFMD Virus: Causes and How It Spreads
HFMD is caused by a group of viruses called enteroviruses,
most commonly:
- Coxsackievirus
A16 - Enterovirus
71 (EV-A71) - Coxsackievirus
A6 and A10 (less common but can cause more extensive rashes)
How HFMD Spreads
The infection spreads easily in schools, daycare centers,
and playgroups through:
- Saliva,
nasal secretions, or droplets from coughs and sneezes - Fluid
from blisters on the skin - Contact
with contaminated objects like toys, utensils, or clothes - Stool
of an infected child (especially during diaper changes)
At Noble Hospital, we advise parents to maintain good
hand hygiene and sanitize frequently touched surfaces to help
prevent outbreaks.
HFMD Symptoms and Stages
The HFMD symptoms typically appear 3 to 6 days
after exposure to the virus.
Early Symptoms (Day 1–2):
- Low-grade
fever - Sore
throat or irritability - Fatigue
and reduced appetite
Progressive Symptoms (Day 3–5):
- Painful
mouth ulcers on the tongue, gums, and inside cheeks - Rash
or blisters on the palms, soles, and sometimes the buttocks - Mild
cough or runny nose
HFMD Rash: What It Looks Like
The HFMD rash is one of the defining features of this
illness.
Rash Appearance
- Small
red spots or fluid-filled blisters (2–5 mm) - Commonly
seen on: - Palms
of hands - Soles
of feet - Around
and inside the mouth - Buttocks
or genitals (sometimes)
Rash Duration and Care
- The
rash lasts about 5–7 days. - Avoid
scratching or bursting blisters. - Keep
the affected skin areas clean and dry. - Apply
doctor-recommended soothing lotions if itching occurs.
If you’re unsure about the rash, Noble Hospital’s
dermatology and pediatric teams can help confirm the diagnosis.
HFMD in Children and Toddlers
HFMD most commonly affects children under 10 years,
particularly toddlers and preschoolers.
Symptoms in Children
- Fever
and loss of appetite - Irritability
and fatigue - Painful
mouth sores causing drooling or refusal to eat - Rash
on hands, feet, and buttocks
HFMD in Infants
Infants may show subtle signs such as:
- Increased
crying during feeding - Poor
appetite or refusal to drink - Irritability
and trouble sleeping
Home Care Tips (Recommended by Noble Hospital
Pediatricians)
- Offer
cold fluids like milk or smoothies to ease mouth pain. - Avoid
spicy, salty, or citrus foods. - Maintain
good hydration. - Give
paracetamol or ibuprofen (if prescribed) for fever or pain. - Keep
children home from school until blisters have healed.
HFMD Treatment and Recovery at Noble Hospital
There is no specific antiviral treatment for HFMD,
but supportive care helps relieve symptoms and speed recovery.
Treatment Approach
- Fever
management: Paracetamol or ibuprofen - Mouth
ulcer relief: Mild topical anesthetic gels - Hydration:
Encourage plenty of fluids - Rest:
Ensure adequate sleep and rest
Duration of Illness
HFMD typically lasts 7–10 days, with the child
recovering fully without any long-term effects.
When to See a Doctor
Parents should consult a Noble Hospital pediatrician
if:
- The
child’s fever lasts more than 3 days - There
are signs of dehydration (dry mouth, reduced urination) - The
child is unable to swallow fluids - There
are severe headaches or unusual drowsiness
HFMD Prevention Tips
Prevention is the most effective way to control HFMD spread.
Noble Hospital Recommends:
- Wash
hands thoroughly after diaper changes and before meals. - Avoid
sharing cups, utensils, or towels. - Clean
toys and high-touch surfaces daily. - Keep
infected children at home until symptoms resolve.
These measures can significantly reduce the spread of
HFMD in homes and schools.
Key Takeaways
- HFMD
(Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease) is a common, mild viral infection in
children. - Caused
mainly by Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71. - Symptoms
include fever, mouth ulcers, and rash on hands and feet. - Recovery
usually occurs within 7–10 days. - Maintain
hydration, hygiene, and rest for faster recovery.
For trusted pediatric care and expert advice, visit or
contact Noble Hospital’s Pediatric Department.
FAQs About HFMD (Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease)
1. What is HFMD?
HFMD (Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease) is a viral infection that causes
fever, mouth ulcers, and skin rashes, mainly in children under 10.
2. Is HFMD dangerous?
No. In most cases, HFMD is mild and resolves naturally. Rarely, severe
cases may need medical attention.
3. How long is HFMD contagious?
It is most contagious in the first week of illness, but the virus can
remain in stool for several weeks.
4. Can adults get HFMD?
Yes, adults can be infected but usually have milder symptoms or none at
all.
5. When should parents visit Noble Hospital?
Visit Noble Hospital if your child has high fever, poor feeding, dehydration,
or severe rash. Early evaluation ensures safe recovery.
Conclusion
At Noble Hospital, we understand how stressful it can
be when your child falls ill. Our pediatric specialists are committed to
providing comprehensive, compassionate, and evidence-based care for HFMD
and other childhood infections.
If your child shows signs of Hand, Foot, and Mouth
Disease, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with our expert team
for prompt evaluation and guidance.
🩺 Contact Noble
Hospital Today
Visit www.noblehospital.in or call our Pediatric Department Helpline for
appointments and expert advice.
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