Question
My daughter is 1.5 years old and has been diagnosed with hand, foot, and mouth disease. After taking medication for 3 days, the ulcers in her mouth have healed, her hands are almost healed, and the blisters on her feet have hardened. However, small red spots have started to appear on her body. Is this a spread of the illness?
Answer
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is an infectious disease caused by enterovirus, commonly seen in children. Traditional Chinese medicine is often effective in treating hand, foot, and mouth disease, usually combined with internal medicine treatment and oral medications. The prognosis is generally good, and antiviral drugs can also be used. Regularly have your child rinse their mouth with warm water, avoid eating cold or spicy foods, and do not eat salty foods to prevent pain and refusal to eat. The diet should be easy to digest, with an emphasis on light, soft foods and drinking plenty of hot water. Preventive measures mainly involve isolating the infected child and strengthening infant and toddler health care to reduce the chance of infection. Also, pay attention to indoor air circulation and temperature control.