Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Treatment in Santa Barbara, CA
What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, or HFMD, is a common viral illness that is minor but very contagious. Hand, Foot, and, Mouth Disease primarily affects infants and young children. It is most often seen in children under 5 years old, but anyone can get it. It can spread quickly at schools and day care centers, but it is not serious or life-threatening.
Dr. Charish Barry is a board-certified pediatrician with extensive experience diagnosing and treating children throughout Santa Barbara for hand, foot, and mouth disease. If your child is showing symptoms call (805) 845-1221 to schedule a sick-child visit at our pediatric clinic in Santa Barbara, CA today.
What Causes Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
HFMD is a contagious viral infection. It is caused by primarily caused by several types of enteroviruses.
The most common types of HFMD are:
- Coxsackievirus A16
- Enterovirus 71
Symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
While HFMD is typically not a severe illness, understanding its causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention is essential to managing and preventing its spread.
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease may cause:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Feeling sick
- Painful, blister-like lesions on the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks
- A rash on the palms, soles and sometimes the buttocks that may appear red, white, gray, or only show as tiny bumps
- Blisters
- Fussiness in infants and toddlers
- Loss of appetite
If you notice any of these symptoms, reach out to Dr. Barry for peace of mind. Especially in young children, it is important to get a proper diagnosis to help contain the virus and avoid future spread.
How does HFMD Spread?
If someone is sick with HFMD, the virus can be found in their:
- Nose through nasal mucus
- Throat like saliva, or drool
- Fluid from blisters
- Feces or poop
HFMD symptoms typically appear three to seven days after exposure to the virus.
Older children and adults are thought to have immunity against hand-foot-and-mouth disease as they often build antibodies after exposure, but adolescents and adults are sometimes affected.
How can you Prevent Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
Because this virus is so contagious, it is important to practice good hygiene to avoid spreading.
You can help prevent spreading the virus through:
- Frequent hand washing
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and toys
- Avoiding close contact with anyone sick
How is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Treated?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for HFMD, but the illness is usually self-limiting and resolves on its own within a week or so.
Dr. Barry can work with you to help manage the symptoms. You may be concerned, especially if a young child has contracted the virus.
You can give relief through:
- Pain Relievers – Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can alleviate fever and discomfort.
- Giving Lots of Fluids -Staying well-hydrated is crucial, especially if mouth sores make swallowing difficult. Offer cool, soft foods to soothe the mouth.
- Sleep and Rest– Adequate rest helps the body recover more quickly.
- Isolation – Infected individuals should avoid close contact with others, especially other young children and pregnant women.
Schedule a Sick-Child Visit Today
Dr. Charish Barry is dedicated to providing exceptional care to children throughout Santa Barbara. If your child is showing symptoms, call (805) 845-1221 to schedule a sick-child visit at our pediatric clinic in Santa Barbara.
