Question
My baby started running a fever two days ago and is too scared to take medicine or eat. He’s been complaining of abdominal pain, and when I changed his diaper, I noticed something like blisters in his mouth. Upon closer inspection, they were red and there seemed to be about five or six of them. There also appeared to be something purulent on his wrist. After checking his temperature at the hospital, it was diagnosed as Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. Can Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease cause abdominal pain?
Answer
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease never causes abdominal pain. Most cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease are mild, with the main symptoms being fever and rashes or blisters on the oral and other areas. If there are no complications, most children with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease can recover within a week. The treatment principle is primarily symptomatic fever reduction, which may include taking vitamin C and antiviral medications. Prevention involves paying attention to the child’s hygiene. Also, ensure good air circulation and appropriate temperature in the living space. Children being treated at home should not come into contact with other children. Parents should promptly dry or disinfect their child’s clothes and promptly disinfect their child’s feces. Mild cases do not require hospitalization and are best treated at home with rest to reduce cross-infection.