By Jessica Sillers Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is contagious, common in kids under 5, and typically nothing to worry about. Spot the symptoms:
- Fever
- Low appetite
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Blister-like rash on hands, feet, and inside mouth (how the disease gets its name)
HFMD usually lasts 7-10 days, and your baby is most contagious during the first week, although he or she may still be contagious until the rash is gone. HFMD usually resolves on its own, and treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, since there isn’t a specific “cure”:
- Nurse or bottle-feed often. Babies get hydration this way, and don’t need supplemental water.
- Use fever reducers as approved by your pediatrician.
- Wash clothing, bedding, or toys to get rid of germs.
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
If your baby develops symptoms like headache, bulging or sunken fontanel (soft spot on the head), neck stiffness, or seizure, call the pediatrician or go to an emergency room, as this can indicate a rare but serious complication. But in most cases, lots of nursing and TLC is all your baby needs to get over a case of HFMD.