Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Jackie Mitchell speaks to expert Dr Kenny Siu.

ALTHOUGH hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is mainly a children’s ailment, adults can easily catch it from them.

So if you’re looking after children, you could be susceptible to the disease as it easily spreads among family members.

HFMD is a mild viral illness that can cause mouth ulcers and blister eruptions in the mouth, hands and feet, hence its name.

Dr Kenny Siu says, “It is caused by a family of viruses known as enteroviruses, most commonly known as coxsackievirus A16.

“The disease can easily spread from coughing and sneezing. There may be a red rash on the palms, soles and sometimes the buttocks.

“You may also develop spots and blisters. If these blisters break, the fluid from the blisters can be highly contagious.

“Some people may not have symptoms, but they can still transmit the virus.

“As HFMD is caused by several different viruses, you may be able to catch it more than once.”

HFMD can occur all year round, but peak outbreaks are during late summer and early autumn.

“The first signs of HFMD is feeling unwell, having a sore throat, mouth ulcers, flu-like symptoms and loss of appetite,” Dr Siu says.

“The mouth ulcers are generally on the roof of the mouth, inside your cheek and on your tongue which can make eating and drinking painful.

“A few days after this, painful spots may appear in the mouth, hands and feet and sometimes in the buttocks and groin area.

“There may also be itchiness in the hands and feet.”

There are several precautions you can take to prevent the disease from spreading.

Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with warm water and soap, especially after using the toilet, after changing a nappy and before preparing food and eating.

Make sure common areas and surfaces are cleaned and disinfected including shared items such as toys.

Don’t share mugs, towels and cutlery and wash contaminated items in hot water.

When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth with a tissue and discard it. Show children how to wash their hands and how to keep clean.

As HFMD is highly contagious, people with the illness should isolate themselves from others while they have active symptoms.

Children with HFMD should be kept out of childcare or school until the fever has passed and the mouth sores have healed.

The condition is mild and should clear up within seven to 10 days.

Dr Siu says, “There is no specific treatment, but dehydration can be a problem, so make sure you drink plenty of fluids although mouth sores may make it painful to swallow.

“For adults, over the counter medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may relieve the fever. If the ulcers are painful, try cold foods such as yoghurt and ice-cream.” ■