Question
What are the characteristics of hand, foot, and mouth disease in children?
Answer
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common illness in infants and young children. The symptoms and characteristics include 1. Acute recurrence and fever; 2. Painful vesicles on the oral mucosa; 3. Small vesicles on the palms or toes may also appear on the buttocks or knees; 4. There is less fluid in the vesicles. Some children may also have symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, loss of appetite, nausea, dry heaves, and headache. Mild symptoms can heal spontaneously within about a week, but timely medical consultation and diagnosis are necessary. The child should rest in bed according to the doctor’s instructions. Further face-to-face diagnosis at the hospital can clarify the diagnosis. A good mental state and appetite without drooling are signs that the condition is not severe. It is recommended to drink more water and pay attention to hand hygiene and a light diet.