As a parent, seeing your infant uncomfortable or unwell can be a worrying experience. One common illness that affects infants and young children is hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). While this viral infection often resolves on its own, knowing how to recognize the symptoms can help you take action to ease your child’s discomfort and avoid complications. In this blog, we’ll discuss the signs and symptoms of HFMD in infants, what to expect during the illness, and when it’s time to seek medical attention at AFC Ballantyne. With our compassionate care, we’re confident your child will be back to days of play in no time.
What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious viral illness most commonly caused by coxsackievirus. It primarily affects infants and children under five years old but can also occur in older children and adults. HFMD is easily spread through contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids, such as saliva, respiratory droplets, or stool. It often spreads quickly in daycare centers and playgroups due to close contact among young children.
Although HFMD is usually mild and self-limiting, it can cause significant discomfort, especially in infants who may struggle to communicate their symptoms. Understanding the stages of the disease can help parents know what to look for and how to manage the illness.
Early Signs of HFMD in Infants
The first sign of HFMD in infants is usually a fever. This can be mild to moderate, typically ranging between 100°F and 102°F, but in some cases, it can be higher. Along with the fever, your infant may become irritable or fussy, which can make it difficult to identify the cause if you’re unaware of an underlying illness. Other early symptoms include a sore throat and reduced appetite, as your infant may not feel like eating or drinking.
It’s important to note that during this initial phase, symptoms may resemble those of other common viral infections, such as the flu or a cold. However, what sets HFMD apart is the appearance of a rash and sores, which develop a day or two after the fever begins.
The Characteristic Rash and Blisters
One of the most distinguishing symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease is the development of rash and blisters. This rash typically appears on the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, and inside the mouth—hence the name of the disease. In some cases, the rash may also spread to the buttocks, legs, or arms.
The rash usually begins as small red spots that can quickly develop into fluid-filled blisters. These blisters can be painful, especially in the mouth, where they may make eating and drinking difficult. In infants, you may notice drooling or reluctance to nurse or take a bottle due to the discomfort caused by mouth sores.
Mouth Sores and Difficulty Eating
Mouth sores, also known as oral lesions, are another hallmark of HFMD. These painful sores can appear on the gums, inside the cheeks, and on the tongue. For infants, this can be particularly distressing, as they rely on feeding for both nutrition and comfort. If your infant suddenly refuses to nurse, drink from a bottle, or eat solid foods, this could be a sign of mouth sores.
Keeping your infant hydrated is crucial during this stage, as dehydration is a potential complication of HFMD. If your child is refusing fluids, offer small, frequent sips of water or cold drinks to keep them hydrated. Ice pops or cold milk can also be soothing and easier for them to tolerate.
How Long Do HFMD Symptoms Last?
The duration of HFMD symptoms can vary, but in most cases, the illness lasts between 7 to 10 days. The fever usually resolves within the first 2 to 3 days, but the rash and blisters may persist for up to a week. As the body fights off the virus, the blisters will begin to dry out and heal, leaving behind small scabs that will eventually disappear without scarring.
Although HFMD typically resolves on its own, it’s important to monitor your infant’s symptoms closely. If your child shows signs of dehydration, becomes increasingly irritable, or develops a high fever that doesn’t respond to fever-reducing medication, it may be time to seek medical care.
Preventing HFMD and Managing Symptoms
Unfortunately, there’s no specific treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease, but there are steps you can take to help your infant feel more comfortable during their recovery:
⦁ Hydration: Ensure your infant stays hydrated by offering fluids frequently, especially if they have mouth sores.
⦁ Pain relief: Over-the-counter fever reducers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help manage fever and reduce pain. Be sure to consult an AFC provider for the correct dosage.
⦁ Rest: Encourage your child to rest as much as possible to help their body fight off the virus.
Good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and disinfecting surfaces, can help prevent the spread of HFMD. If your infant attends daycare, it’s important to keep them home while they’re symptomatic to avoid spreading the virus to other children.
When to Visit AFC Urgent Care
While most cases of HFMD don’t require medical intervention, there are situations where it’s best to visit our clinic. If your infant’s symptoms last longer than 10 days, if they’re unable to eat or drink due to mouth sores, or if they show signs of dehydration (such as fewer wet diapers or a dry mouth), it’s important to get them checked out. Additionally, if your infant develops a very high fever (over 102°F) or seems unusually lethargic or uncomfortable, a healthcare provider can evaluate them to rule out any complications.
At AFC Ballantyne, we’re here to help when you need quick and compassionate care. Our clinic is open seven days a week with walk-ins welcome, so you can get the care your infant needs without the wait.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease can be an uncomfortable experience for infants, but with proper care, most children recover within a week to 10 days. By recognizing the early signs of HFMD, such as fever, rash, and mouth sores, you can take steps to keep your infant comfortable and hydrated during their recovery. If symptoms worsen or persist, don’t hesitate to visit AFC Urgent Care Ballantyne for professional medical care. We’re here to provide the compassionate, convenient care your family needs.
