Question
How should post-treatment care be conducted for hand, foot, and mouth disease? Approximately five days after discharge, the child experiences increased sweating in the head, which then transfers to the body. At night, the child may talk in dreams, cry, or laugh out loud. Is this a normal phenomenon?
Answer
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is an infectious disease caused by enteroviruses, primarily affecting children under the age of 5 and can lead to blisters in the hands, feet, and mouth. A few children may experience serious complications such as myocarditis, pulmonary edema, and aseptic meningitis. In rare cases, the condition can progress rapidly, potentially leading to death. After discharge, the child has passed the isolation period and the risk is reduced. Parents should closely monitor their child’s condition, especially focusing on diet and personal hygiene to promote recovery. As for the phenomena of night sweating, talking in dreams, crying, or laughing out loud, if there are no other discomfort symptoms, these may be normal physiological responses. However, if parents are concerned, it is recommended to consult a doctor for more professional advice.