Hand Foot and Mouth Disease in Toddlers: What Filipino Moms Need to Know

1What Is Hand Foot and Mouth Disease?

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious viral illness caused most often by coxsackievirus A16 or enterovirus 71. It primarily affects children under five years old. In the Philippines, outbreaks are common in daycare centers and barangay health centers throughout the year, with peaks during the rainy season. The virus spreads through direct contact with saliva, mucus, fluid from blisters, or stool of an infected person. The incubation period is three to seven days — your child can be contagious before you even know they are sick.

2Recognizing HFMD in Your Child

The illness begins with one to two days of fever, reduced appetite, sore throat, and general fussiness — easily mistaken for a common cold. Within one to two days, painful sores develop inside the mouth and a rash of small flat or raised red spots appears on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, and sometimes on the buttocks and elbows. The spots on the palms and soles are a distinctive feature that helps identify HFMD. The spots may blister but are generally not itchy. The mouth sores are painful enough that many children refuse to eat or drink entirely, which is the primary concern.

3Home Care and Keeping Your Child Comfortable

Since HFMD is caused by a virus, antibiotics are not effective. For the painful mouth sores, offer cold foods: cold lugaw, cold fruit puree, cold coconut water, and ice pops from diluted juice. Avoid salty, spicy, or acidic foods like calamansi which will irritate the sores. Give paracetamol at the correct weight-based dose for fever and pain. Keep your child home until all blisters have completely dried and crusted — typically seven to ten days. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly after touching your child or any surfaces they have contacted.

Doctor's Perspective