Hand - foot - mouth disease

Alternative names:

Coxsackievirus infection

Treatment:

There is no specific treatment for the infection other than symptomatic relief of symptoms.

Treatment with antibiotics is not effective. Acetaminophen can be used to treat fever. Aspirin should not be used in viral illnesses in children.

Salt water mouth rinses (1/2 teaspoon of salt to 1 glass of warm water) may be soothing if the child is able to rinse without swallowing. Ensure an adequate fluid intake because swallowing may be painful. Extra fluid is needed when a fever is present.

Expectations (prognosis):

Generally, complete recovery occurs in 5 to 7 days.

Complications:

• possible convulsions with high fever (febrile seizures)
• possible nervous system infection (such as viral meningitis or encephalitis)

Calling your health care provider:

Apply home treatment and call the health care provider if there are signs of complications such as pain in neck or arms and legs. Other times to call include when a high fever is not reduced by medication, signs of dehydration occur such as dry skin and mucus membranes, weight loss, irritability, lethargy, decreased or dark urine.

Emergency symptoms include convulsions.