What are the Stages of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)?

Stages of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Explained

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a contagious viral ailment that spreads easily and primarily affects children. This illness leads to the development of sores or ulcers in and around the mouth, as well as rashes or blisters on the feet, hands, legs, and buttocks.

The disease occurs in separate stages, beginning with discomforting symptoms and moving toward painful rash and sores. Although HFMD is generally a mild condition, it can cause complications in exceptional instances. It is essential to know its stages, symptoms, causes, and treatments to manage it effectively.

Keep reading to learn more about it!

Stages of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

The hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) typically develops in a number of different stages:

Stage 1: Incubation Period: This stage falls between the onset of infection and the development of symptoms, generally lasting between 3 and 6 days.
Stage 2: Early Signs: The illness usually begins with a fever, painful throat, reduced appetite, and an overall feeling of discomfort, which persists for a few days.
Stage 3: Oral Lesions: Small, red dots or blisters can appear inside the mouth, particularly on the tongue, gums, and inner cheeks. These can develop into painful ulcers.
Stage 4: Skin Rash: Red blisters or spots can occur on the palms, soles, and sometimes on the knees, elbows, buttocks, or genitalia, typically one to two days after the oral lesions.
Stage 5: Resolution: Symptoms usually begin to resolve on their own within one to two weeks, with skin rashes and sores in the mouth healing and fever subsiding.

Symptoms of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Fortunately, symptoms of HFMD are typically mild. Take a look at some of the major symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease:

● Sore throat
● Feeling unwell (malaise)
● Loss of appetite
● High fever
● Crankiness
● Painful blisters inside a child's mouth, usually towards the back or on their tongue
● Fatigue
● Rashers or sores on knees, elbows, or buttocks
● Mouth soreness causing difficulty in swallowing and drinking

How Does Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) Spread?

The HFMD disease is very contagious and can be spread in a number of ways:

● Airborne droplets that are released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
● Direct contact with the blisters of an infected person.
● Touching the saliva or faeces of an infected person and then touching your mouth, eyes, or nose.
● Handshaking, kissing, or hugging someone who has the virus.
● Sharing utensils, cups, towels, or clothes with an infected individual.
● Touching dirty toys, surfaces, door handles, or other items and then rubbing eyes, nose, or mouth.

Risk Factors of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) can occur in people of all ages, but some factors enhance the risk of infection. They include:

● Babies and children under 5-7 years are most susceptible to developing HFMD.
● The illness is highly contagious in daycares, schools, and populated environments.
● HFMD is transmitted by fecal-oral, oral-oral, and respiratory droplet contact.
● Adults with weak immune systems are more likely to be at risk.

How to Treat Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)?

Usually, hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) lasts for 7 to 10 days without needing medical treatment. However, your healthcare professional can recommend particular treatments to make symptoms more bearable as the disease runs its course. These may include:

● Syrups or lozenges containing medicine to ease sore throats that hurt
● Topical prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) creams to provide relief from blisters and rash
● Pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve headaches

Aspirin should not be given to children with viral infections, as this may predispose them to Reye's syndrome.

Home Remedies for Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

There are a number of effective measures for you and your child to follow in order to deal with hand, foot, and mouth disease:

Rinse hands frequently with hand wash for at least 20 seconds.
Wash your child's clothing, bedding, and any other contaminated items.
Suck on ice chips, popsicles or ice cream, or drink cold beverages or sherbet to provide relief to the affected area inside the mouth.
Limit the consumption of citrus fruits, fruit juices, and sodas.
Avoid oily or salty foods.
Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, including toys, countertops, and doorknobs.
Avoid sharing used utensils, cups, towels, blankets, or clothing.
Keep infected children separated from healthy ones.

Although HFMD is typically not serious, it can be uncomfortable for youngsters. Early detection and treatment can encourage recovery. To ensure that rising medical costs never get in the way of recovery, check out the policies from Star Health Insurance.