HFMD, which stands for hand, foot, and mouth syndrome/disease, is a viral infection that is both mild and contagious. While it is prevalent among children under the age of 5, it can also affect teenagers and adults. Symptoms may include mouth sores and rashes on the hands and feet. The most common cause of HFMD is Coxsackievirus. To discover more about this condition, its symptoms, and how to manage it, continue reading this article.

Symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth syndrome
Typically, outbreaks of this viral infection are common across Asia. However, one must know the symptoms to seek the aid of medical professionals. Some of the most common signs to look out for are:

• Fever – 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit
• Post fever painful red-colored blisters
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Tongue, mouth, and throat ulcers
• Itchy rashes on the soles of the feet, palms, and buttocks
• Fussiness – Common in infants and toddlers

While looking for the above symptoms, one must remember that the general duration between the initial infection and the development of symptoms is 3 to 6 days. Further, the color of the rashes can vary depending on the patient’s complexion.

Causes of hand, foot, and mouth syndrome
Usually, HFMD is contracted when the patient comes in contact with viruses of the enterovirus category. Especially coxsackievirus A 16. which spreads through the mouth and anus. It can also be found in the patient’s saliva, feces, mucus, respiratory droplets, and blister fluid. This means one can develop the condition if they:

• Maintain personal contact with the patient
• Touch contaminated objects
• Come in contact with infected feces

Complications of hand, foot, and mouth syndrome
While hand, foot, and mouth syndrome complications are rare, one must not ignore the following:

Dehydration
In most cases, the development of mouth sores can make it incredibly difficult for patients to drink liquids and eat most foods. If left unattended, this can cause complications in the form of dehydration. Hence, most healthcare professionals encourage patients to drink warm, cool, or cold liquids during the illness.

Nail loss
Sometimes, children can lose fingernails and toenails during the disease. Even though relatively rare, this sudden loss isn’t a cause to worry, as the nails mostly grow back on their own.

Viral encephalitis or meningitis
Incredibly rare and life-threatening, the development of these diseases can cause inflammation and swelling in the brain and spinal cord.

Diagnosis and treatment of hand, foot, and mouth syndrome

Diagnosis
Healthcare professionals typically diagnose this condition by distinguishing it from other potential viral infections. They do this by carefully examining the patient’s age, symptoms, and the presence of rashes or sores on the body. After that, they collect throat swabs and stool specimens and send them to the laboratory to determine the virus responsible for the illness.

Treatment options
As most cases of the condition clear up in 7-10 days, there is no specific cure for the disease. Nevertheless, one can opt for specific at-home remedies to manage the condition and associated symptoms. These include:

• Gargling with salt water
• Usage of mouthwashes and numbing sprays
• Drinking cool or cold liquids
• Avoiding acidic or spicy foods
• Eating soft foods

However, one must consult a healthcare professional if tIsn’ttient:

Isn’t drinking enough fluids
Has a fever lasting more than three days
Has consistent itching and painful blisters
Has a weakened immune system