Question
My neighbor’s child got Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease a couple of days ago. He’s been coughing and has a fever, along with small itchy blisters on his body. My son often plays with him, and now he’s also a bit coughing. I’m worried and took him to the hospital for a check-up. The doctor said it was caused by Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease.
Answer
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease typically begins with fever in the child, which can vary in intensity, with some not experiencing fever at all, but most having low-grade fever which accounts for about half of cases. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as drooling, runny nose, mouth pain, sore throat, and loss of appetite. The clinical feature is primarily characterized by sores appearing on the mouth and hands. Oral sores are found on the tongue, cheeks, hard palate, lips, throat, and tonsils, measuring about 3mm in size and quickly ulcerating to form ulcers. Rashes are commonly seen on the distal parts of hands and feet, between fingers, around the heels and nail beds, as well as on the palms and soles. The lower limbs and buttocks can present with dense papular rashes that initially start as macules and then transform into vesicles, with a harder texture and redness around them. Generally, the course is mild and short-lived, often healing within about a week. If your child has been in contact with someone who has Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, they may contract the illness. It is advisable to take them to the hospital for a check-up where the doctor will assess their symptoms to determine if they have Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. For the treatment of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, it is currently primarily symptomatic treatment including controlling fever and relieving coughs. Additionally, maintaining good oral and skin hygiene is important; appropriate care measures can be taken such as rinsing the mouth with mouthwash or using oral disinfectants. Also, avoid contact with other individuals who have Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease to prevent virus transmission. Keep a close eye on your child’s condition changes and seek medical attention promptly.