Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a condition that usually affects children under five, while older kids and adults are also at risk. Certain viruses cause this condition. Common symptoms include fever, a sore throat, and a rash that develops on the hands, feet, and inside of the mouth. HFMD is highly contagious and can spread from close contact with an infected person or touching surfaces with the virus on them.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease
Most HFMD instances are moderate and go away in a week to ten days without intervention. However, in rare circumstances, particularly in newborns or people with compromised immune systems, the virus might result in more severe problems such as encephalitis or viral meningitis.

Although there is no known cure for HFMD, supportive care might assist with symptoms, including pain and fever. Good hygiene practices, including routine hand washing and avoiding close contact with infected people, are helpful prevention strategies.

Symptoms
The symptoms usually appear within 3-5 days after exposure to the virus and may include-

• Fever
• Sore throat that makes swallowing difficult
• Rashes can appear on the skin around the hands, feet, and occasionally the buttocks. The rash could appear as red patches before turning into tiny blisters or ulcers. The rash could be unpleasant and irritating.
• Small blisters or ulcers may form In the mouth, on the tongue, inside the cheeks, or on the gums, making it hard to eat, drink or speak.
• People with HFMD may lose their appetite due to mouth sores and throat discomfort.
• HFMD can lead to weariness and other general aches and pains, making it challenging to carry out daily tasks.

It is pertinent to note that not everyone with HFMD will experience all the symptoms listed above. Sometimes people may be only feverish with no additional symptoms. Therefore, you should consult a healthcare professional to confirm the diagnosis and receive proper care if you suspect you or your kid may have HFMD.

Causes
The Coxsackie virus is the most frequent cause of hand, foot, and mouth syndrome. Due to their weak immunity, children under five are mainly susceptible to hand, foot, and mouth disease. Adults and older kids, however, can also catch the illness. The virus can spread through various ways, including-

1. Close physical contact with an infected individual, such as touching, hugging, or sharing utensils, is the most common way of HFMD transmission.
2. People can catch the virus when they handle contaminated surfaces and later touch the mouth, nose, or eyes. The virus can remain on surfaces for several hours.
3. The virus can also be transferred by contacting an infected person’s respiratory discharges, such as saliva or mucus.

A patient is most infectious during the first week of HFMD, but even after symptoms subside, the virus can still be found in the stool for a few weeks. Therefore, practicing good hygiene habits, such as frequent hand washing, is crucial to prevent the virus from spreading.

Treatment
There is no known treatment for this condition. Most people recover without needing healthcare intervention in 7–10 days. Supportive care can help manage symptoms to a great extent. Here are some helpful ways to manage the symptoms of the condition-

1. Mouthwashes or sprays- Mouthwashes or sprays containing numbing agents or antiseptics can help relieve mouth pain.
2. Plenty of fluids- Drinking fluids can help prevent dehydration, especially if mouth sores make swallowing food difficult.
3. Rest- Getting plenty of rest can help the body fight the virus and speed up recovery.

If your child faces difficulty eating due to sores or blisters in the mouth, you can give them ice pops or cold drinks to meet their nutritional needs and satisfy their hunger pangs. Consult a healthcare provider if the fever lasts more than three days. Furthermore, teach your child the importance of good hygiene and tell them to avoid touching their nose, eyes, or mouth to reduce the risk of getting infected. Besides preventing HFMD, practicing good hygiene also helps to keep various other health conditions at bay.

It is important to seek a health expert’s attention if you or your child experiences severe symptoms or complications such as high fever, difficulty breathing, seizures, or signs of dehydration. Besides excellent hygiene practices, cleaning contaminated surfaces with disinfecting wipes or cleansers is a prevention strategy that will help. By consulting a healthcare expert for early treatment and following necessary preventive measures, one can easily manage the symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease and avoid complications.