What to Pay Attention to When a Child Has Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Question

How long does it usually take for the red spots to disappear in a child with hand, foot, and mouth disease? What should I pay attention to in their diet? My child is almost 19 months old and has been diagnosed with hand, foot, and mouth disease. It’s the second day now; how should I take care of them, and when will it get better?

Answer

Summer and autumn are the peak seasons for hand, foot, and mouth disease in children. The disease is primarily transmitted through droplets, respiratory secretions, contaminated toys, and unclean hands. After infection, children may experience fever and rashes on the mouth, hands, and feet. The duration for the red spots to disappear varies from individual to individual, but generally, they may last for several days to about a week. During this period, you should monitor your child’s diet by providing easily digestible foods and avoiding spicy, stimulating (spicy), irritating foods, and hard foods. At the same time, ensure adequate water intake to prevent dehydration. Additionally, timely treatment is crucial to avoid severe complications. If your child shows severe discomfort or symptoms worsen, seek immediate medical attention. Depending on the severity of the condition, symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease typically resolve within one to two weeks.