The easiest way to pick up hand, foot and mouth disease (HMFD) is having a child or children exposed to other children in a daycare setting. They seem to pick up all sorts of illnesses, especially in the first couple months of attending. Symptoms may present as a fever, itchy skin rashes (painful blisters and/or red bumps on hands, feet, and face), and mouth sores/sore throat - although it's worth noting rashes can also appear on arms, legs, chest and the diaper area.
HFMD is most contagious in the first week of contracting it. However, it doesn't always physically show up from the start - it may take 4-7 days for symptoms to appear - or in some cases, no physical symptoms may be present at all (like when my little one had it, we didn't know until I broke out with the painful and itchy bumps myself). So yes, even if there are no symptoms, the highly contagious disease can still be passed from one person to another with exposure.
Exposure can occur through:
touching and infected person or contaminated surfaces
bodily fluids and excretions including saliva and pee (yes, through poop too), and fluids from blisters or scabs
So, if you suspect your child has contracted the virus, prevent it from spreading by immediately washing your hands and disinfecting surfaces after each contact, especially after diaper changes, and staying home while they have symptoms.
Treatment
Although there may not be a true "cure" for HMFD, there are some ways to treat those less-than-fun symptoms for your child.
Epsom Salt Bath - A 10-20 minute soak in an Epsom salt bath with certified pure* lavender oil can really ease that uncomfortable burning feeling in the hands and feet and calm the skin. The salts also act as a natural detox, flushing out toxins from the body. In an infant bath, you can add 1 tsp Epsom salt to warm water, and a regular bath add 1/2 cup.
Salt Water Gargle - If your child is old enough to gargle, rinsing the mouth with warm water and sea salt can help keep sores in the mouth clean and lessen irritation of a sore throat. Add 1/4 - 1/2 tsp salt to warm water. For babies, coconut oil can provide relief for any discomfort in the mouth. If breastfeeding, you can apply a small amount directly to the nipples before a feed. You can alternatively apply directly in mouth with thoroughly cleaned hands - just remember to wash hands after, too!
Coconut Oil on Skin - Not only is it a refreshing and hydrating relief for the skin, but cold pressed or fractionated coconut oil lends antioxidant and antimicrobial properties to help fight off the infection. Rub into clean skin after bath time and after washing hands.
Essential Oils - Using a diffuser is a great way to provide the benefits of essential oils to young ones, and is especially helpful for babies who shouldn't have EO used on their delicate skin. Add a few drops of certified pure oregano, tea tree, and lavender oil to diffuse in water. Another great use for oils is to add drop of tea tree oil and/or oregano oil to liquid hand soap to naturally kill off viruses and bacteria.
Fuzzy Socks - This one was given to me by a coworker who went through the ordeal along with her little ones. Wearing fuzzy socks (or mittens) over both the hands and feet keeps from scratching any blisters or rashes and helps prevent spreading HFMD to people and surfaces. It's also just a fun way to pass the time with the kids.
*Certified pure therapeutic grade oils are recommended because they do not have harmful or synthetic fillers that can be dangerous to our health. Many companies out there claim to be pure, but there are only a handful of companies that actually are.