How Long Does It Take for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease to Heal?

How many days does it take for enterovirus to resolve?

My younger brother discovered red spots in his mouth while taking a shower on Tuesday night (5/28).
That same night, we took him to an ENT specialist who diagnosed him with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD).
On 5/31, he still had no medication, but he developed a cough, so we took him back to the ENT for a follow-up.
The doctor said, "There are ulcers in the throat; it seems the rash has ruptured!" After the appointment, we noticed some mild rashes around the border of his lower lip.
However, last night during the visit, he had a slight fever of 37.7 degrees Celsius, and this morning it spiked to 38 degrees Celsius.
After administering antipyretic medication, his fever subsided! He hasn't had a fever since.
I would like to ask: 1.
How many days does it typically take for the ulcers to heal? 2.
How long can we expect the fever to last? At what point does it become abnormal? 3.
Is it normal for him to have a cough? Currently, my brother is in good spirits; he eats well and plays (he has a good appetite), sleeps when tired, and eats again after waking up, but he doesn't like drinking water—he only prefers electrolyte drinks!

Zhuang Tai Tai, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/06/02

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

1.
Oral ulcers typically take about 7-10 days to heal.

2.
The average duration of fever due to enterovirus infection is about 3 days (some may last longer, while others may be shorter).
If the fever persists beyond 3 days with high temperatures and frequent spikes, a pediatrician should be consulted.

3.
Enterovirus infections may occasionally present with upper respiratory tract infection symptoms, but this is not common.

4.
The main concern with enterovirus infections is to monitor for signs of dehydration and severe symptoms.

5.
If there is no vomiting or diarrhea, there is no need to consume electrolyte solutions, as this may increase the burden on the kidneys.

Reply Date: 2013/06/02

More Info

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection primarily affecting young children, though it can occur in adults as well. It is caused by enteroviruses, most commonly coxsackievirus. The symptoms typically include fever, mouth sores, and a rash on the hands and feet.
1. Healing Time: The duration of HFMD can vary from person to person, but generally, the symptoms last about 7 to 10 days. The fever usually subsides within 3 to 5 days, while the mouth sores and rashes may take a bit longer to heal. In your brother's case, since he has already been experiencing symptoms for a few days, you can expect the mouth sores to start healing within the next few days, assuming no complications arise.

2. Fever Duration: Fever associated with HFMD typically lasts for 3 to 5 days. If the fever persists beyond this period or spikes above 39°C (102°F), it may indicate a secondary infection or another underlying issue, and you should consult a healthcare provider. Continuous monitoring of his temperature is essential, and if you notice any unusual symptoms or if the fever returns after subsiding, it would be prudent to seek medical attention.

3. Coughing: A mild cough can occur in conjunction with HFMD, especially if there are sores in the throat that can irritate the throat lining. This is generally not a cause for concern unless it becomes severe or is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, or high fever. Given that your brother is otherwise active and eating well, this is likely a minor symptom related to the viral infection.

4. Hydration: It's crucial for children with HFMD to stay hydrated, especially if they have mouth sores that make swallowing painful. While electrolyte drinks can be beneficial, encourage him to drink water as well. You might consider offering cold or soft foods that are easier to swallow, such as yogurt or smoothies, to help with hydration and nutrition.

5. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep an eye on his overall condition. If he shows signs of lethargy, refuses to eat or drink, or if the sores worsen, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional.
In summary, HFMD is usually self-limiting, and with proper care, your brother should recover within a week to ten days. Ensure he stays hydrated, monitor his symptoms, and consult a doctor if there are any concerns about his fever or overall health.

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