Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness that typically affects young children, although it can spread to older children and adults as well. As a highly contagious condition, HFMD often causes concern for parents, especially when it appears to affect a child’s comfort and well-being. While most cases of HFMD resolve on their own within a week to 10 days, there are times when medical care is necessary. In this blog, we’ll explore what HFMD is, its signs and symptoms, how long it lasts, available treatment options, and when to seek medical care at AFC Urgent Care Knoxville. Read on to learn how to get your child back on track to enjoying child-friendly activities in the beautiful Knoxville region.

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What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral illness caused by enteroviruses, most commonly the coxsackievirus. The virus spreads easily through close contact with an infected person, as well as through respiratory droplets, saliva, and contaminated surfaces. Because of how easily it spreads, it often circulates in environments where children are in close contact, such as daycares, schools, and playgrounds.

HFMD typically affects children under the age of 5, though it can also occur in older children and adults. The virus causes a characteristic rash and other symptoms that, while generally mild, can still be uncomfortable and worrying.

Signs and Symptoms of HFMD

The symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease usually begin with general signs of illness, followed by more distinctive features. The common symptoms include:

• Fever: One of the earliest signs of HFMD is a mild to moderate fever, which typically lasts for 2-3 days.
• Sore Throat and Reduced Appetite: Along with the fever, children may experience a sore throat and decreased appetite. The sore throat is usually mild, but it can make eating and drinking uncomfortable.
• Rash and Blisters: After the fever subsides, a rash or red spots typically appear on the hands, feet, mouth, and sometimes the buttocks. These spots may turn into small, fluid-filled blisters, which can last for 5-7 days.
• Mouth Sores: Painful sores or ulcers may develop inside the mouth, which can make it difficult to eat or drink. These sores are one of the more uncomfortable symptoms of HFMD.

How Long Does HFMD Last?

In most cases, hand, foot, and mouth disease lasts about 7 to 10 days. During this time, the virus progresses through different stages of symptoms:

• Fever: The fever and initial signs of illness last for 2-3 days.
• Rash and Blisters: The characteristic rash and blisters develop shortly after the fever, usually lasting 5 to 7 days.
• Mouth Sores: The painful mouth sores can persist for several days and are often the most uncomfortable part of the illness.
• While HFMD can be uncomfortable, it is usually a self-limiting illness, meaning that it goes away on its own without the need for specific medical treatment.

Treatment Options for HFMD

There is no specific antiviral treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease. However, there are several ways to manage the symptoms and make your child more comfortable as their body fights off the virus:

• Rest: Encourage your child to rest as much as possible. Rest helps the body recover more quickly from the virus.
• Hydration: Keeping your child hydrated is essential, especially if they have mouth sores that make it difficult to drink. Offer cold fluids like water or milk and avoid acidic or spicy foods that can irritate the mouth.
• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help reduce fever and relieve discomfort from mouth sores. Always follow the dosage instructions on the label and consult with a healthcare provider if needed.

Soothing Mouth Pain: You can offer your child soft, cool foods such as ice pops, yogurt, or applesauce to help ease the discomfort of mouth sores.

When to Seek Medical Care at AFC Knoxville

While most cases of HFMD resolve without the need for intervention, there are certain situations when it’s important to seek medical care:

• Symptoms Lasting Longer than 10 Days: If your child’s symptoms persist beyond 10 days, it’s a good idea to visit AFC Urgent Care Knoxville for an evaluation. Prolonged symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying issue or a complication.
• Dehydration: Dehydration is a common concern with HFMD, particularly if mouth sores make it difficult for your child to drink fluids. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, reduced urination, dark-colored urine, or extreme lethargy. If your child shows any of these signs, seek medical attention immediately.
• High Fever: While mild fevers are common with HFMD, if your child’s fever exceeds 102°F or if they seem unusually irritable or lethargic, it’s important to have them evaluated by a healthcare provider.
• Inability to Eat or Drink: If your child refuses to eat or drink due to pain from mouth sores, this can lead to dehydration. In these cases, it’s important to seek medical care to ensure they are getting the fluids they need.
• Severe Pain or Discomfort: If your child is in severe pain or seems unusually uncomfortable, AFC Urgent Care Knoxville can provide an assessment to rule out any complications and ensure your child is on the path to recovery.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral illness that can cause discomfort for young children, but it typically resolves on its own within 7 to 10 days. While most cases do not require medical treatment, it’s important to monitor your child’s symptoms closely and seek medical care if they develop signs of dehydration, experience severe pain, or if symptoms persist beyond 10 days.

At AFC Knoxville, we are here to provide compassionate, reliable care for your family when you need it most. Our clinic is open 7 days a week, and walk-ins are always welcome. If you’re concerned about your child’s symptoms or need advice on managing HFMD, visit us today for expert medical care.