Medically reviewed to ensure accuracy.
Take a deep breath.
Even though it spreads like wildfire especially in day care prefs the infection is usually mild.
What is hand, foot and mouth disease (coxsackievirus)?
It can also cling to surfaces, where it can live for several days.
Get your disinfectant ready!
What causes hand, foot and mouth disease?
It’s commonly sparked by several different viruses and strains of the coxsackievirus.
This also includes contact with open sores of an infected person.
Parents and caregivers should be extra diligent about handwashing after any possible contact with a child’s open sores.
Respiratory contact (i.e.
What are the symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease?
They include the following:
Symptoms usually run their course for about one week.
Peeling of the fingers and toes after one to two weeks can happen afterwards, but it’s harmless.
Is hand, foot and mouth contagious?
Yes, the virus is very contagious.
Check the policy at your child’s day care or preschool.
Can my child get hand, foot and mouth disease again?
However, there are many different strains that could cause symptoms a second (and third) time.
How is coxsackievirus diagnosed?
If you think your child may have hand, foot and mouth disease, call your pediatrician.
(And no, you don’t need antibiotics.
HFMD is due to a virus, not a bacteria.)
Plenty of liquids
Dehydration is a risk for little oneswith hand, foot and mouth disease.
Offer your sick child plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
For babies older than 6 months, give water between nursing sessions or bottle feedings.
You may need to give your toddler frequent sips of one or the other every 15 minutes.
Check with your doctor.
More sleep
There is something to be said about the power sleep has on healing our bodies.
When your little one has a fever or is in pain, she’s bound to be crankier.
(This treatment works for parents too.)
Sometimes a little bit of TLC from Mom or Dad is enough to make her feel a little better.
How do you disinfect after hand, foot and mouth disease?
Scrub with soap and water
Any household cleaner and water will do.
Keep the bin out of your child’s reach, and wash the toys when you have time.
Disinfect
When it comes todisinfecting small toys, dishwashers are super handy and effective.
Over-the-counter cleaning products containing bleach also do the trick.
you’ve got the option to make your own disinfectant by diluting household bleach.
Only make what you plan to use that day.)
Is there any way to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease?
It’s very difficult to prevent your child from catching hand, foot and mouth disease.
It will most likely go away on its own within a week.
So don’t stress too much.
