HFMD on Scalp: Symptoms, Prevention, Treatment

What is HFMD and How Does it Affect the Scalp?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a contagious viral infection that commonly affects infants and children. While HFMD often causes sores and blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth, the infection can occasionally spread to other parts of the body like the scalp.

Symptoms of HFMD on the Scalp

When HFMD spreads to the scalp, a few common symptoms may appear around 3-7 days after initial HFMD infection. These can include:

• Itchy, painful red spots or bumps on areas of the scalp
• Small blisters filled with fluid that may ooze or crust over
• Sore or irritated patches of skin
• Mild fever
• Headache
• General discomfort or unease

Causes and Transmission

HFMD on the scalp is caused by a highly contagious virus, most often from the Coxsackievirus family or Enterovirus 71 (EV71). The infection transfers through direct contact with:

• Saliva, mucus, or fluid from HFMD blisters
• Nasal discharge from an infected person
• Unwashed, contaminated hands or surfaces

In some cases, a person may spread the infection before outward HFMD symptoms manifest. Once viral particles access the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions, uncomfortable rashes and lesions can erupt across affected areas.

Preventing Transmission of HFMD to the Scalp

Limiting Exposure

Those showing HFMD symptoms are most contagious during the first week of illness. Carefully avoiding contact with infected individuals during this time can reduce transmission risk.

Since enteroviruses behind HFMD can persist on surfaces for days, regular sanitization of objects, toys, countertops, clothes orfurniture potentially exposed to the virus is also key. Any shared items should be cleaned and disinfected frequently.

Practicing Good Hygiene

Proper hygiene habits serve as the first line of defense against contracting contagious skin conditions like HFMD. Important preventative steps include:

• Washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water throughout the day, especially after using the bathroom or before preparing food.
• Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap is unavailable.
• Avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth to minimize viral particles entering the body.
• Not sharing cups, utensils, toys or personal care items with anyone showing HFMD symptoms.
• Disinfecting any objects put in the mouth between uses.

Treating HFMD Affecting the Scalp

At-Home Treatment Options

No specific medical cure for HFMD exists. However, a variety of home care methods may help relieve scalp discomfort until the viral infection runs its course.

• Over-the-counter pain relief - Common OTC medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can temporarily alleviate headaches, sensitivity or scalp tenderness.
• Cold compresses - Applying a cool, damp cloth to the affected area may reduce skin inflammation and itching sensations.
• Gentle scalp hygiene - Carefully shampooing hair and scalp with a mild, hydrating cleanser prevents buildup on blisters while soothing irritation.
• Comfort essentials - Rest, hydration and light, nutritious meals allow the body to direct more resources towards fighting infection.

Medical Interventions

In severe HFMD cases, physicians may consider prescribing antiviral medications like Pleconaril to help shorten infection duration. Corticosteroid creams or ointments can also calm intensely inflamed scalp outbreaks.

Since secondary skin infections may develop, doctors might order antibiotic medications if substantial discharge, pus or worsening redness emerges around blisters. But antibiotics have no effect on the underlying HFMD virus.

Preventing HFMD Scarring on the Scalp

Avoid Scratching or Touching Blisters

As difficult as it seems when facing extremely itchy blisters, repeatedly scratching or puncturing HFMD skin lesions can greatly escalate the chances of permanent marks. Ruptured blister fluid also raises contagiousness.

Having a caregiver cut childrens’ fingernails short can reduce incidental scraping if irritation becomes unbearable. Hydrocortisone creams offer anti-inflammatory relief while decreasing infection spread risk compared to direct blister contact.

Keep the Area Moisturized

Unless a doctor advises otherwise, refrain from “drying out” HFMD scalp vesicles with alcohol, iodine or astringents. This can slow healing timelines and promote thick, troublesome scab formation.

Gently lathering affected areas with mild cleansers helps prevent dry skin cracking without abrasion. Then locking in moisture with a gentle, fragrance-free lotion or conditioner enables damaged tissue to mend with minimal scar potential.

Know When to Seek Medical Care

Monitor HFMD scalp outbreaks closely over several days after the initial eruption for any expanding redness, acute pain, discharge or swelling. These are signs a secondary infection may be developing.

Anyone demonstrating neurologic symptoms like limb weakness, poor balance or disorientation alongside HFMD requires prompt medical evaluation to check for rare neurological complications.

In the case of extensive scalp crusting, oozing liquid or foul odor, immediately contact a doctor since the risks of permanent scarring or hair loss heighten without rapid treatment.

Recap and Conclusion

While having HFMD affect areas beyond the hands, feet and mouth can certainly be unpleasant and concerning, instances of scalp infection generally resolve without long-term effects under attentive at-home care.

Implementing vigilant hygiene protocols offers the best protection against viral transfer for family members when HFMD is active within a household. Following doctor recommendations if worrying or atypical signs manifest can further minimize lasting repercussions.

Though HFMD often lingers for 7 to 10 days, staying patient with symptom management while immune responses develop prevents complications that could lead to permanent scarring or hair damage on the scalp.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.