Can Telemedicine Treat Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease - Triage?

Audience: pediatric

Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection in children that causes sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. It usually resolves on its own without serious complications. Telemedicine can be helpful for initial evaluation and advice on managing symptoms at home. Through video or phone visits, healthcare providers can assess the child's symptoms, guide parents on care, and decide if an in-person visit is needed. However, telemedicine cannot replace physical exams when the child shows severe symptoms or complications. Parents should watch for warning signs, such as difficulty swallowing, dehydration, or unusual behavior, which require urgent in-person care. Preparing for a telemedicine visit by noting symptoms and having a clear view of the rash can improve the quality of the consultation. After the visit, following care instructions and monitoring the child's condition is important. Telemedicine offers a safe and convenient way to support families managing HFMD but should be complemented by in-person care when necessary.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty swallowing or refuses all fluids — seek urgent in-person care.
• Signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, no tears when crying, or very little urine — seek immediate medical attention.
• Child is unusually sleepy, irritable, confused, or has seizures — call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and triage for mild HFMD cases.
• Providing guidance on symptom management and home care.
• Answering questions about the illness course and prevention.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination for severe symptoms or complications.
• Treatment of dehydration or other medical emergencies.
• Diagnostic testing that requires in-person visits.

What is Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease?

Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a mild viral illness common in young children. It causes painful sores inside the mouth and a rash with blisters on the hands, feet, and sometimes other parts of the body. The illness usually lasts about a week and often improves without special treatment.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows healthcare providers to evaluate your child’s symptoms through video or phone calls. They can help confirm if symptoms match HFMD, offer advice on relieving pain and fever, and guide you on how to care for your child at home. This can reduce the need for travel and exposure to other illnesses.

When In-Person Care is Needed

Some situations require a physical exam or urgent care, such as if your child:

In these cases, telemedicine is not enough, and prompt in-person evaluation is important.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from your telemedicine appointment:

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the care advice given by your healthcare provider. This may include giving fluids, managing fever and pain, and watching for any worsening symptoms. Keep monitoring your child closely and seek in-person care if new or severe symptoms develop.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the start date and progression of symptoms.
• Prepare to show any rashes or mouth sores via video.
• List any medications given and their doses.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss.
• Ensure a stable internet connection and a quiet environment for the call.

After your tele-visit

• Follow healthcare provider’s advice on symptom relief.
• Keep your child hydrated and comfortable.
• Monitor for any worsening or new symptoms.
• Schedule an in-person visit if red flags appear.
• Keep follow-up telemedicine appointments if recommended.

FAQs

Is Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease contagious?

Yes, HFMD spreads easily through close contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated surfaces. Good hand hygiene helps prevent spread.

Can antibiotics treat HFMD?

No, HFMD is caused by a virus, so antibiotics are not effective. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms.

How long does HFMD usually last?

Symptoms typically last 7 to 10 days and improve on their own without complications.

Should my child stay home from school or daycare?

Yes, children with HFMD should stay home until fever is gone and mouth sores have healed to reduce spreading the infection.

When should I seek emergency care?

Seek emergency care if your child has difficulty breathing, seizures, severe dehydration, or altered consciousness.

Sources

1. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease — Mayo Clinic.
4. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned about their health, seek prompt medical attention.