6 Little-Known Hand Foot and Mouth Symptoms

Hand Foot and Mouth Symptoms - Foot and Mouth rash is a common name for hand, foot, and mouth disease. The hand foot and mouth disease is caused by the Coxsackievirus A16, which is a member of the family Picornaviridae.

The virus is highly contagious and can be spread through coughing and sneezing, as well as contact with saliva, mucus, or feces from an infected person. People can also spread the foot and mouth rash through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as doorknobs, handles, or countertops. The virus can also be spread through food and water that has been infected with the virus.

The foot and mouth rash is a self-limited disease and typically resolves within seven to ten days. There is no specific treatment for foot and mouth rash, and it is important to drink plenty of fluids and get rest. In severe cases, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Hand Foot and Mouth Symptoms

This disease is most commonly seen in infants and toddlers, but adults can also develop it. Hand foot and mouth symptoms typically appear as a cluster of blisters on the feet. The blisters may be red, swollen, and sore. In severe cases, the rash may also spread to the arms, legs, and torso. The hand foot and mouth rash is a self-limited illness that typically resolves within seven to ten days. Though not life-threatening, the disease may be uncomfortable.

Other hfm symptoms in adults include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Headaches
• Foot and mouth rash

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease in Pregnancy 

Hand foot and mouth disease in pregnancy is a rare occurrence, but it can happen. There is no specific treatment for the disease of the hand foot and mouth while pregnant, but it is important to drink plenty of fluids and get rest. In severe cases, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Prevention of the disease of hand foot and mouth while pregnant includes frequent hand washing, avoiding close contact with people who are ill, and disinfecting surfaces that may be contaminated.

There is no vaccine available for hand foot and mouth disease in pregnant women, but the normal vaccine is safe to receive during pregnancy. It is recommended that pregnant women receive the vaccine if they are at high risk for exposure, such as healthcare workers and travelers.

Hand Foot and Mouth Treatment

The treatment for hand foot and mouth disease is typically symptomatic, which means that hand foot and mouth treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms of the illness rather than treating the cause.

Some general treatment tips for hfm symptoms include:

• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Getting rest
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain and fever

Though there is no specific cream for foot and mouth rash, individuals may use topical lotions such as calamine or zinc oxide to protect and heal the developing blisters. Another recommended cream for foot and mouth rash is petroleum jelly to keep the area hydrated and moist, which helps speed up the healing process. In severe cases, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Prevention of hand foot and mouth disease is the best way to avoid getting sick. Some prevention tips include:

• Frequent handwashing
• Avoiding close contact with people who are ill
• Disinfecting surfaces that may be contaminated
• Getting the hand foot and mouth disease vaccine if you are at high risk for exposure, such as healthcare workers or travelers.