By: Randi A. Sperling, D.O.

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease is a common pediatric illness caused by a member of the enterovirus family known as Coxsackie A16.

The peak seasons are summer to early fall.

The Incubation period is usually 2-6 days and the virus is very contagious.

Symptoms usually begin with:

Low grade fever, malaise and loss of appetite.

Lesions usually follow in 1-2 days. The mouth lesions usually appear on the lips, gums, soft palate and anterior tonsils. They start off as small vesicles and progress to yellow ulcerations with a red surrounding halo. The hand and foot lesions appear most commonly on the palms and soles and in between the digits (fingers and toes). They appear as gray vesicles on a red base. It is not uncommon to see lesions on the buttocks as well.

The mouth lesions may be mildly painful with the child not wanting to drink.

The skin lesions are usually not painful, but occasionally itchy.

Treatment is symptomatic

acetaminophen for pain or fever and

encouraging the child to drink to prevent dehydration.

The vast majority of children recover within one week. VERY FEW cases have complications involving the brain, lungs or heart.

See Home Remedies, Mouth Sores-Cankers

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