Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is diagnosed by a physician based on a visual examination of the skin lesions and the patient's symptoms. A physician will perform a complete physical examination and compile a thorough medical history when making a diagnosis to help distinguish HFMD from other common causes of mouth sores (e.g., herpes). If a newborn is suspected of having the disease, a physician may refer the baby to the care of a neonatologist, a physician who specializes in the medical treatment of newborn infants.

Sometimes, a physician may obtain a sample of a bodily fluid from either a throat swab or stool specimen for analysis to determine which of the enteroviruses caused the illness. However, in general, no laboratory tests are necessary to diagnose HFMD.

Since HFMD is caused by a virus, treatment with antibiotics is not effective and is not indicated. Usually, no medical care is necessary to treat HFMD and most patients experience complete recovery in seven to 10 days. However, a new drug called pleconaril is currently undergoing clinical trials and has shown promise in treating severe cases of the viral infection.

Oftentimes, physicians may recommend the following for relief of symptoms:

• Over-the-counter medications to reduce fever and relieve headache. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, or acetaminophen. However, aspirin should not be administered to children under age 12 because of the risk of developing a rare but serious condition called Reye’s Syndrome.
  
  
• Topical anesthetics to treat painful mouth sores (e.g., lidocaine, diphenhydramine).
  
  
• Salt-water mouth rinses to soothe the throat. This can be done by diluting half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water.
  
  
• Plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, a common complication of most diseases resulting in fever. Good choices include cold milk products, such as ice cream. Patients may also suck on popsicles and ice chips. Acidic beverages, such as fruit juices and sodas, should be avoided because they can irritate blisters in the throat, mouth or tongue.

Patients with HFMD should also restrict their activities and get plenty of rest until their symptoms subside.