Question

My baby has hand, foot, and mouth disease with red dots all over their body and red patches. Do I need to take them to the hospital for admission?

Answer

Based on your description, your child may have Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, which is a contagious illness caused by enteroviruses. The symptoms include blisters and rashes on the mouth, hands, and feet, and may also be accompanied by fever and pain. In most cases, Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is not severe and can be treated through rest, fluid intake, and pain relief medication. However, hospitalization may be necessary if any of the following conditions occur:

  1. Persistent high fever.
  2. Severe dehydration.
  3. Difficulty breathing.
  4. Neurological symptoms such as seizures or changes in consciousness.
  5. Abnormal heart function. If you have any concerns about your child’s condition, you should take them to the infectious diseases department of the hospital for further examination and treatment immediately. After admission, your child will receive systematic treatment, and all items used will need to be thoroughly disinfected. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease can cause serious harm to children, so parents should take their children to a regular hospital for medical consultation as soon as symptoms are detected. Pay attention to your child’s diet and suggest a light diet to avoid spicy or irritating foods. We hope your child can receive appropriate treatment and recover soon.