Question
My child has been saying their mouth hurts recently, and I noticed blisters. The doctor said they have hand, foot, and mouth disease. Can you tell me what the symptoms are for hand, foot, and mouth disease?
Answer
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is an acute infectious disease caused by enteroviruses, most commonly affecting children under three years old. Clinical symptoms typically include rashes on the hands, feet, and buttocks, along with blisters in the mouth, which can be quite painful. During the peak season for the disease’s spread, it’s important to be vigilant for signs of hand, foot, and mouth disease. Some cases may only present with pharyngal blisters without rashes on the hands, feet, or buttocks. The primary treatment approach is antiviral therapy. For blisters on the hands, feet, and buttocks, it is recommended to use calamine lotion in conjunction with acyclovir ointment for application. Parents should monitor their child’s condition closely.