There is no specific treatment for the infection other than symptomatic relief of symptoms. Treatment with antibiotics is not effective. Acetaminophen can be used to treat fever . Aspirin should not be used in viral illnesses in children. Ensure an adequate fluid intake because swallowing may be painful.
Extra fluid is needed when a fever is present.
Generally, complete recovery occurs in 5 to 7 days. Apply home treatment and call the health care provider if there are signs of complications such as pain in neck or arms and legs. Other times to call include when a high fever is not reduced by medication, signs of dehydration occur such as dry skin and mucus membranes, weight loss , irritability, lethargy , decreased or dark urine . Emergency symptoms include convulsions . Hand, foot, and mouth disease is cause by a coxsackie virus.