Question
My child has been feverish for 3 days now. The doctor says it’s hand, foot, and mouth disease. When will it get better? Is this situation serious?
Answer
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is a common infectious disease in children under the age of 5, usually caused by enteroviruses. The main symptoms include fever and small red rashes or blisters on the mouth, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. These symptoms usually resolve on their own within a week, but the severity of the condition can vary from person to person. However, blisters should never be picked to avoid infection. To prevent complications, children should maintain a light diet, change clothes frequently, wash hands often, and keep the environment clean.