Question
How to treat hand, foot, and mouth disease?
Answer
Hand, foot, and mouth disease typically presents with mild initial symptoms similar to a common cold, which may include low-grade fever, fatigue, sore throat, drooling, and decreased appetite. One to two days later, rashes may appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, the mucous membranes in the mouth, and around the anus. The rash around the blisters is surrounded by a red halo and can merge to form ulcerated surfaces. The blisters on the palms and soles are usually separate and do not merge. Some children may also experience symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Most children recover within a week without leaving any scars. Failure to treat promptly may lead to complications such as myocarditis and pulmonary edema, with severe cases even resulting in death.