A common, peculiar viral infection in childhood is called hand, foot and mouth disease. This is due to an enterovirus infection in which the child develops ulcers and blisters on the hands, feet and in the mouth. Sometimes a child with hand foot and mouth disease may also have blisters on the buttocks. The most common cause of hand, foot and mouth disease is infection by coxsackievirus A16 and enterovirus 71. Like most other enterovirus infections, this is typically a minor illness that resolves on its own. It has an incubation period of about 2 to 3 days. Kids can return to daycare after their fever resolves, usually in 3 days after the rash appears.
Painful mouth ulcers of Hand, Foot and Mouth disease are treated with an equal mixture of Benadryl and Maalox liquid. The dose is one teaspoon of Benadryl and one teaspoon of Maalox mixed together per 22 pounds of weight. The child should swish this mixture around in her mouth to help ease the discomfort. You may repeat this treatment every four hours.
Reviewed by Dr. Byrum 7-12-17