Anatom3D
ENCZDE
Download

Hand, foot and mouth disease

Morbus manus, pedis et oris (enterovirosis) · Nemoc ruka-noha-ústa

What it is

A Coxsackie or enterovirus infection of small children: mouth ulcers and a blistering rash on the palms and soles.

Symptoms & signs

  • Painful mouth ulcers
  • small blisters on the palms, soles and buttocks
  • fever
  • refusing food and drink
  • nails may shed weeks later

🚩 Get help if…

  • call 112 / 911 now Very drowsy, jerky movements, weakness or a seizure
  • call 112 / 911 now Fast breathing or struggling to breathe
  • see a doctor soon No urine for 8 hours or refusing all drinks
  • see a doctor soon Fever over 3 days or a baby under 3 months with fever

Where it strikes

Medical treatment

  • Paracetamol or ibuprofen
  • fluids to prevent dehydration
  • no antibiotics — it is viral
  • hospital for dehydration or neurological signs (EV71)

Natural & lifestyle

  • Cold drinks, ice lollies and soft food
  • avoid acidic and salty food
  • handwashing and nappy hygiene

Emerging & experimental

  • EV71 vaccines (licensed in China)
  • antivirals against enteroviruses in trials (pleconaril, pocapavir)

Alternative, off-label & anecdotal

Approaches used outside the guidelines, with what their supporters report and what testing has found so far.

  • Honey on mouth ulcers (over age 1) — small studies in mouth ulcers early / small studies
  • Coconut water and chamomile rinses — soothing; untested anecdotal / traditional
  • Essential oils on the blisters — untested; can irritate children's skin anecdotal / traditional

ICD codes