The time between viral contact and the start of symptoms (known as the incubation period) is typically between three to seven days. [2] X Research source Young, pre-school kids are most often affected, although teens and adults do come down with HFMD occasionally. The most common time of year for HFMD outbreaks is in the summer and early autumn.
Blisters/ulcers from HFMD can be difficult to distinguish from canker and herpes sores. The main differences are canker sores rarely affect the throat and gums, whereas herpes sores almost always appear on the outer lips. The discomfort created by the throat and mouth sores make it painful to eat, which may further reduce appetite.
In addition to the small blisters, HFMD causes the skin on the hands and feet to appear like a rash, although it’s not usually itchy — unlike chicken pox, which is another type of infection that HFMD often mimics. Fingernail and toenail loss can occur with HFMD, particularly in children, within about two to four weeks of coming down with the condition. Soaking the affected feet in 3 US quarts (2,800 mL) of warm water mixed with 2-3 tablespoons (48-72 g) of Epsom salts can help relieve some of the pain. Don’t soak the feet for more than 15 minutes, though. [4] X Expert Source Mark Co, DPMPodiatrist Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
With malaise, children may not want to get out of bed in the morning, or play during the afternoon or stay up much past dinner time. Headaches are difficult to detect in young children who can’t communicate well, so look for reduced attention span, unexplained crying, head holding (with their hands) and avoidance of loud sounds and/or well-lit areas of the house. Nausea/vomiting is not common with HFMD (and many other viruses that affect the throat and mouth), but it is characteristic of bacterial infections and food poisoning. Not everyone gets all of these symptoms (especially adults who have more mature immune systems to fight the infection), but non-symptomatic people can still pass the virus on to others.
Consider buying some mouthwash, oral spray or lozenges from the pharmacy that contain compounds that numb or dull a sore throat. They can be effective to reduce pain and make it easier to consume liquids and soups. You may also want to encourage hydration by offering something cold that might soothe the throat, like a sugar-free popsicle. Common signs of dehydration include: dry skin and mucous membranes, sunken-looking eyes, reduced urination, dark-colored urine, irritability, confusion and weight loss. [6] X Research source
A mild-to-moderate fever is beneficial to fight viral infections as noted above, but temperatures of 103°F (39. 4 °C) or greater in children should likely be managed with medication. Drugs called antivirals are recommended for infections within people who have a high risk of complications due to weak immune systems. Antivirals kill viruses or prevent them from reproducing in the body. In rare cases, antivirals may be prescribed for HFMD, such as acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex) or famciclovir. Note that valacyclovir and famciclovir medications are only approved for use in adults, not kids.
The effectiveness of colloidal silver against viruses depends on size (particles should be less than 10 nm in diameter) and purity (no salts or protein in the solution). [9] X Research source Colloidal silver can be made at home with some specific supplies, or purchased from most health food and supplement stores. Try gargling with colloidal silver to help relieve throat and mouth sores, and spray some on your hands and feet to prevent outbreaks of blisters. Silver solutions are usually considered non-toxic even in high concentrations, but protein-based solutions made by some pharmaceutical companies can increase the risk of argyria — skin discoloration due to silver compounds getting trapped there.
You may have to keep your child out of preschool or elementary school for a week to either prevent getting HFMD or spreading it to others. Teach your child to notify adults if they feel ill or see symptoms such as red spots or rashes on the skin of other children.
Regularly disinfecting countertops, tables, chairs, toys and other surfaces which are commonly touched is a good preventative approach. Disinfect your hands (and your children’s hands) multiple times per day with regular soap, and don’t go overboard on the hand sanitizer because it can promote the growth of “super bugs” that are resistant to medications. Natural disinfectants appropriate for household use include white vinegar, lemon juice, salt water, diluted bleach and hydrogen peroxide.
Getting more sleep (and better quality sleeps), eating more fresh fruit and veggies, cutting down on refined sugars (soda pop, candy), reducing your alcohol intake, quitting smoking, practicing good hygiene and exercising regularly are all proven ways to keep your immune system strong. [12] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Dietary supplements that can boost immunity include: vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, echinacea and olive leaf extract. Vitamin C and olive leaf extract also have antiviral properties, which may also help to prevent or fight off HFMD.
