Question
The child has a recurrence of hand, foot, and mouth disease, with fever and small blisters appearing on the hands and feet. They have previously received intravenous treatment, but the condition recurred a few days later.
Answer
Hand, foot, and mouth disease often resolves on its own, but measures should be taken to improve the child’s symptoms during this time. If there is a fever, antipyretics can be used to lower body temperature; for oral pain, an oral spray can be used. If the child is drinking or eating too little, they may need to receive intravenous fluid therapy to replenish fluids and energy. Antibiotics are generally not recommended unless there is a secondary bacterial infection or if bacterial infection cannot be ruled out during the initial diagnosis, as hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral infection and antibiotics are ineffective. The so-called ‘hooking up to an IV’ is not recommended. It is important to be aware of the signs of severe hand, foot, and mouth disease, such as poor mental state, hand tremors, seizures, rapid breathing, or pale complexion.