Question

What are the early symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease?

Answer

During the early stages of hand, foot, and mouth disease, babies may experience the following symptoms:

  1. Fever: Usually occurring within 1 to 2 days.
  2. Rashes: Red rashes appear simultaneously on the palms and soles of the feet and buttocks, about the size of grains or green beans, in circular or oval shapes with a red halo around them. They typically do not cause significant itching.
  3. Oral Sores: Sores are commonly found in areas such as the throat and tonsils and quickly turn into small ulcers. For treatment, when rashes appear, it is recommended to apply a gold-thioglucose fish liver oil locally to alleviate pain and promote faster healing of the erosions. For oral sores, oral intake of B vitamins such as Vitamin B2 can be beneficial. If a child has difficulty eating, easy-to-digest liquid foods should be provided; avoid hot food and rinse the mouth with water after meals to clean the mouth, at least twice a day. If oral ulcers occur, use an oral thrush spray or apply Yinyang Shengji powder to the affected area.