Information on
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
  Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by a virus.  This disease in no way is related to hoof and mouth disease seen in cattle.  This disease is mainly seen but is not limited to 6 months to 4 years of age.  The symptoms are as follows:

 

  1. Small ulcers or blister inside the mouth
  2. Small water blisters on the palms of the hands or soles of feet, between the fingers and the toes. 
  3. Usually no more than five blisters on an extremity
  4. Low grade fever ( 100 deg or lower)
  5. A rash may appear on the buttocks
  6. The rash does not itch

This is contagious especially during the first week.  Some of your child’s playmates will develop symptoms about the same time.  Most children will show symptoms about 3- 6 days after exposure.   Because the spread of infection is extremely difficult to prevent, and the condition is harmless, these children do not need to be isolated.  Your child can return to school when the fever is within normal range.

 

There is no treatment for this disease only to treat the symptoms with over the counter medications to help keep the child comfortable. 

 

If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to call me.

 

 

Thank you so much!