Hand-Foot-Mouth-Disease / Coxsackie / Enterovirus
By: Dr. Katie McCabe
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (also known as Coxsackie or Enterovirus) is a viral infection most commonly seen in infants and children under 10 years of age. It is usually caused by coxsackievirus A16, yet other strains of the virus may cause the disease. In fact, there are over 20 strains of the virus and it can present in many forms. It usually occurs in the late spring, summer, and fall months.
In classic hand-foot-mouth disease, the main sign is the presence of small but painful sores on the throat, gums, tongue, and inside the cheeks, along with the classic sores on the hands, soles of the feet, and diaper area. There may be an additional rash accompanying the blisters. Most Coxsackie strains just cause the sores in the mouth without the rash. Intestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea may be seen. Fever and headache may be present also. A particular strain of the virus can cause nail shedding at the tail end of the disease.
Most commonly, we see children with fevers, poor appetite, drooling, and no rash. When we look in the mouth, we can see the painful sores - which explains most of the symptoms!
There is no specific treatment for coxsackie. Motrin and Tylenol are recommended for pain and fever control. As with any virus, push fluids if your child has a decreased appetite. Symptom resolution usually occurs in 7-10 days. Complications can very rarely occur. Handwashing is the most important method of preventing disease spread.
Unfortunately, because of the presence of so many stains of this virus, your child may get it repeatedly in one season!
By: Dr. Katie McCabe
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (also known as Coxsackie or Enterovirus) is a viral infection most commonly seen in infants and children under 10 years of age. It is usually caused by coxsackievirus A16, yet other strains of the virus may cause the disease. In fact, there are over 20 strains of the virus and it can present in many forms. It usually occurs in the late spring, summer, and fall months.
In classic hand-foot-mouth disease, the main sign is the presence of small but painful sores on the throat, gums, tongue, and inside the cheeks, along with the classic sores on the hands, soles of the feet, and diaper area. There may be an additional rash accompanying the blisters. Most Coxsackie strains just cause the sores in the mouth without the rash. Intestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea may be seen. Fever and headache may be present also. A particular strain of the virus can cause nail shedding at the tail end of the disease.
Most commonly, we see children with fevers, poor appetite, drooling, and no rash. When we look in the mouth, we can see the painful sores - which explains most of the symptoms!
There is no specific treatment for coxsackie. Motrin and Tylenol are recommended for pain and fever control. As with any virus, push fluids if your child has a decreased appetite. Symptom resolution usually occurs in 7-10 days. Complications can very rarely occur. Handwashing is the most important method of preventing disease spread.
Unfortunately, because of the presence of so many stains of this virus, your child may get it repeatedly in one season!