Question
How to diagnose hand, foot, and mouth disease?
Answer
Based on clinical diagnosis of symptoms and signs, during large-scale outbreaks, particularly with the characteristic rash pattern on the oral and hand-foot areas, hand, foot, and mouth disease can be diagnosed. Without complications, the prognosis is generally good, with most cases healing within a week. Treatment primarily focuses on symptomatic relief, which may include antiviral medications, cooling and detoxifying traditional Chinese herbs, and supplementation of vitamins B and C.