Question
My daughter has been suffering from recurrent oral ulcers, accompanied by coughing. There’s a small sesame-sized blister on her right thumb that is not red or swollen. A week ago, a throat swab test showed no infection of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. However, she has been taking antiviral medication as prescribed by the doctor. With her current symptoms, how could she have contracted Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
Answer
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is characterized by recurrent blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth. The illness is usually mild and short-lived, affecting children most often. Within 1 to 2 days, the oral cavity, throat, soft palate, cheek mucosa, tongue, and gums may develop painful vesicles ranging from millet to bean-sized. These vesicles are surrounded by a red halo and can break down into small ulcers. Due to the pain, children often drool and refuse to eat. It is recommended to have her examined at a designated Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease hospital. During the epidemic period, avoid crowded public places with poor air circulation. Pay attention to maintaining household hygiene; regularly ventilate the living space and frequently air-dry clothes and bedding. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease can be very harmful to children. If mothers notice any symptoms in their children, they should take them to a regular hospital for treatment promptly and pay more attention to their child’s care issues.