Question
How should hand, foot, and mouth disease be treated in babies?
Answer
In the early stages of pediatric illness, systemic symptoms are usually mild, similar to a common cold. Symptoms may include low fever, fatigue, sore throat, drooling, runny nose, and a lack of appetite. One to two days later, rashes may appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, with a few children also developing rashes on their limbs and buttocks. The trunk rarely has rashes again. The small blisters in the mouth have red halos around them and can merge together quickly, forming purulent sores. The small blisters on the palms and soles are like grains of rice or peas in size and do not merge. Some children may also experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.