Question
An 18-year-old has developed small, bean-sized bumps on the legs and buttocks, accompanied by itching. The throat is red and swollen, resembling ulcers, but no similar symptoms are present on other parts of the body. After using calamine lotion, the bumps have gradually subsided. There has been a recent fever, but the body temperature has returned to normal in recent days, and the general condition is good. Requesting assistance from a doctor to diagnose whether it is hand, foot, and mouth disease and to provide professional advice.
Answer
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is primarily transmitted through person-to-person contact, with patients, asymptomatic carriers, and virus carriers as the main sources of transmission. Antiviral medications are more effective in the early stages of the disease, but it is usually too late for optimal treatment by the time of diagnosis, and it is currently not recommended to use antiviral medications regularly. Based on the provided symptom description, the doctor suspects hand, foot, and mouth disease but further confirmation is needed. It is advised that the patient closely monitor any changes in symptoms and seek medical attention when necessary.