What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

Questions

What are the symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease, and how should medication be administered?

Answers

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is an infectious disease caused by several enteroviruses, primarily affecting children under the age of 5. The symptoms include small millet-like grayish white blisters or red macules appearing on the child’s oral cavity, palms of hands, and soles of feet. Currently, there is no specific medication for hand, foot, and mouth disease; only necessary symptomatic treatment and enhanced care for the child can be taken. During the feverish period, children should rest more, drink plenty of water, and eat soft and easily digestible foods as well as fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins. The child’s skin, hands, and feet should be cleaned frequently, and nails should be kept short. The child’s clothing and bedding should be kept clean, and the child should not scratch the rash to avoid infection and abscesses. For broken blisters, gentian purple can be applied. Toys and feces of the child should be disinfected. Feverish children can take fever-reducing medicine, vitamin C, and traditional Chinese medicine with antiviral effects such as Platycodon grandiflorus and Isatis indigotica. They can also take Chinese patent medicines for clearing heat and detoxifying, such as Qingwen Jiedu Bolus. As long as proper care is taken, recovery can occur without medication.