Question
A 7-year-old child has developed blistery rashes on the right index finger of their hand and the big toe of their foot, accompanied by pain. Could this be a symptom of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
Answer
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, also known as eruptive stomatitis, is an acute infectious disease caused by enteroviruses. Patients may develop blisters on the tips of their hands and feet as well as in their mouth. These blisters are surrounded by red halos and may become concave, turn yellow, and eventually dry out and fall off. The disease typically resolves within 1 to 2 weeks and rarely leaves any sequelae. However, in rare cases, encephalitis or other complications may occur. Preventive measures include maintaining good hygiene habits, avoiding public places, regularly disinfecting toys and utensils, and early detection and isolation of patients. If Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is prevalent in nurseries or kindergartens, patients should be isolated from healthy children, and toys should be disinfected. Healthy children can take Platycodon grandiflorus infusion to prevent the disease. Wishing your little one a healthy growth!