How to Handle Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Babies?

Question

When a child shows symptoms of loss of appetite and fever, diagnosed by a doctor as hand, foot, and mouth disease, how should appropriate care and treatment be administered?

Answer

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common infectious disease in children. Upon confirmation of the diagnosis, the first step is to isolate the child to prevent the spread of the disease. Maintain good indoor air circulation by regularly opening windows for ventilation and disinfecting the indoor environment. The child should rest in bed for the next week. Hand, foot, and mouth disease usually comes with mild to moderate fever, which does not require special treatment; encourage the child to drink plenty of fluids. If the body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, fever-reducing medication can be administered under a doctor’s guidance.