Question
My baby has had a cold for 8 days. Initially, she had a fever, which stopped after receiving injections and medication. However, two days later, she developed canker sores in her throat and started to have a fever again. After five days of intravenous drip treatment, she still has intermittent fevers and her gums are slightly red and swollen. Is this Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease? There are no rashes on her hands and feet.
Answer
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common pediatric illness caused by enterovirus infections. It primarily presents with blisters or red macules on the hands, feet, and buttocks, surrounded by red halos. The blisters are usually painless, non-itchy, non-scabbing, and do not leave scars. Most children also have blisters inside their mouths, accompanied by symptoms such as pain, drooling, refusal to eat, and fever. It is advisable to take your child to the hospital for a consultation and follow the doctor’s instructions for medication and bed rest. Traditional Chinese medicine can be used to alleviate symptoms if necessary. Additionally, pay attention to maintaining oral and skin hygiene by cleaning the mouth with physiological saline solution daily. Also, be careful to prevent the patient from scratching the blisters to avoid infection.