Question
What should I do if a parent finds blisters on their child’s hands and suspects Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, but the night shift doctor cannot confirm it?
Answer
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is an infectious illness caused by enteroviruses that mainly affects children, especially those under three years old. It is transmitted through the digestive tract, respiratory system, and close contact. Symptoms include fever, papules and vesicles in the mouth and at the ends of limbs. To prevent Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, parents should encourage their children to rest fully, wash hands frequently, maintain good ventilation, eat light food, take good care of the mouth and skin, and drink plenty of water to promote metabolism. If a follow-up visit is needed, consider consulting a local infectious disease hospital.