Dear Dr. Lindeman,
My son says his mouth is sore and he won't drink anything. Plus, he has small blisters on his palms and a slight fever. Should I be worried?
Sounds like your son has "Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease," a benign viral illness with an unfortunate name. It has nothing whatsoever to do with hoof and mouth disease in farm animals.
Symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease include a painful mouth, often with visible small sores; small blisters and/or red spots on the palms and soles; low grade fever. The fever is usually gone by day 3 or 4. The mouth sores may last a week. The rash on hands and feet may last 10 days.
The complication to worry about is dehydration from refusal to drink fluids.
Home Treatment
- Diet: Avoid acidic or spicy foods. Encourage fluids. Ice pops count!
- Painkilling mixture: Add equal parts of Maalox and liquid Benadryl. Mix until pasty. Give 1/2 to 1 teaspoon up to 4 times per day as needed for mouth pain.
- Comfort medicines: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) are best.
- Contagiousness: The illness is quite contagious. The incubation period is 3-6 days. The child may return to school or day care when the fever is gone.
Call us immediately at 508-655-9699 if
- Your child has not urinated for 12 hours
- Your child develops a stiff neck
- Your child becomes confused or delirious
- Your child becomes difficult to awaken
- Your child begins to appear very sick
Call during call-hour at 508-655-9699 if
- Your child's fluid intake is less than half his/her normal
- The fever lasts longer than 3 days
- The mouth pain becomes severe, or the gums become swollen and tender.
- You believe your child is getting worse
- You have other concerns or questions
Lincoln Medical Building
61 Lincoln Street, Suite 210
Framingham, MA 01702
(508) 655-9699
(508) 655-2984 fax
Updated: 10/30/02
