Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Treatment Specialist in Kirkland, WA

At Evergreen Pediatrics, the health and wellness of your child is always our top priority. One of the common conditions we frequently see among infants and young children in our practice is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD). Below, we’ve provided important information to help you identify, manage, and prevent HFMD in your family.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is a contagious illness that primarily affects young children, although older children and adults can occasionally become infected. It is most often caused by viruses from the Enterovirus family, particularly Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71. Typically, symptoms of HFMD begin with fever, sore throat, and a general feeling of discomfort. Within one or two days, your child may develop painful mouth sores or ulcers, making eating and drinking uncomfortable. Shortly after, a rash or small blisters often appear on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and occasionally on other parts of the body such as the buttocks.

At Evergreen Pediatrics, our healthcare providers typically diagnose HFMD through a careful clinical examination of your child’s symptoms. Laboratory testing is rarely needed unless complications arise or the diagnosis is uncertain. The best way to prevent HFMD is by practicing good hygiene and minimizing exposure to infected individuals. Our team recommends that families:

● Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after diaper changes, bathroom visits, and before meals.
● Regularly disinfect commonly touched surfaces, toys, and other objects.
● Teach children to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing.
● Avoid sharing cups, utensils, and towels, particularly during outbreaks.

HFMD typically begins with mild symptoms such as fever, decreased appetite, fatigue, irritability, and a general feeling of discomfort. Within a day or two, your child may develop painful sores in the mouth or throat, making swallowing difficult and leading to a refusal to eat or drink. Shortly after, small red spots or blisters usually appear on the hands, feet, and sometimes on the buttocks and legs. These spots can be tender, itchy, or uncomfortable, and may blister or peel as they heal.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, please call Evergreen Pediatrics promptly. Our pediatricians will evaluate your child’s condition, confirm the diagnosis, and rule out other illnesses with similar symptoms. Typically, HFMD diagnosis is made through a careful physical examination and symptom assessment, and lab tests are rarely necessary.

While HFMD usually resolves on its own within 7 to 10 days, contact Evergreen Pediatrics immediately if your child’s symptoms worsen, if your child appears dehydrated, or if you notice any other concerning signs. Our caring pediatricians are always here to provide the medical support and reassurance your family needs.

You should consider seeing one of our pediatricians if your child shows any unusual or worsening symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). Typically, HFMD is mild and resolves on its own within seven to ten days. However, our pediatric team is here to help if your child’s symptoms become severe or if complications arise.

Seek immediate medical care if your child experiences difficulty swallowing or drinking fluids due to painful mouth sores, as this can quickly lead to dehydration. Watch carefully for signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination, dry mouth, excessive sleepiness, or dizziness, and contact us promptly if you observe these symptoms.

Additionally, if your child’s fever persists for more than two to three days, or if they develop severe headaches, neck stiffness, or unusual lethargy, please schedule an appointment immediately. If symptoms have not improved after about ten days or if skin lesions become increasingly painful, infected, or spread significantly, our pediatricians can provide specialized care and guidance.

Infants, children with compromised immune systems, or pregnant women experiencing symptoms of HFMD should contact Evergreen Pediatrics promptly, as these groups may have a higher risk of complications.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness that we frequently see among young children at Evergreen Pediatrics. Highly contagious, HFMD easily spreads from child to child, especially in daycare, preschool, and school settings. It is most commonly caused by enteroviruses such as Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71. The infection spreads through direct contact with saliva, nasal secretions, respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, fluid from blisters, and contact with contaminated toys, surfaces, or hands. HFMD can also spread through fecal-oral transmission, typically due to inadequate handwashing after using the restroom or changing diapers.

At Evergreen Pediatrics, we emphasize prevention as the best approach to minimize the spread of HFMD. We encourage parents and caregivers to practice consistent and thorough handwashing with soap and water, especially after restroom use, diaper changes, caring for sick children, or handling shared toys and surfaces. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched items around your home, such as toys, doorknobs, and tabletops, is also important. Additionally, it’s best to avoid close contact with individuals who show symptoms like fever, blisters, or mouth sores.

If your child becomes infected with HFMD, we recommend keeping them home from daycare or school until symptoms have resolved, or as advised by one of our pediatricians. If you have concerns about HFMD or need guidance on managing your child’s symptoms, please contact Evergreen Pediatrics—we’re here to help your child stay healthy and comfortable. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Kirkland, WA, and surrounding areas. We serve patients from Kirkland WA, Seattle WA, Shoreline WA, Lake Forest Park WA, Kenmore WA, Woodinville WA, Mountlake Terrace WA, Woodway WA, Edmonds WA, Lynnwood WA, Bothell WA and Lake Washington WA.