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Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common childhood illness |
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common childhood illness
Foot and mouth disease is a common infection in children that causes sores, called ulcers, in or around the mouth and a rash or blister on the hands, feet, legs, or buttocks.
It can be painful, but it doesn't matter.
It is not the same as foot and mouth disease, which comes from another virus and only affects animals.
FMD causes and risk factors
Viruses that normally cause the hand, foot, and mouth are called Coxsackievirus a16 and Enterovirus 71.
Anyone can get the disease, but children under 5 are more likely to get it. It tends to spread slightly in summer and fall.
Symptoms of disorders of hands, feet, and mouth.
The first symptoms may include:
fever
Irritated throat
Painful blisters in a child's mouth, usually backward or on the tongue.
Malaise (malaise)
Loss of appetite
Tired
Bad mood
A day or two later, a child may have:
A rash that turns into bubbles.
Flat spots or sores on the knees, elbows, or buttocks.
Sores in the mouth can interfere with swallowing. Eating or drinking less than usual may be the only sign of a child's illness. Make sure you get enough fluids and nutrients.
Transmission of hand diseases, foot and mouth disease.
The viruses that cause HFMD to hide in the fluids of an infected person's body, including:
saliva
Mucus from the nose or lungs.
Liquid from blisters or crusts
Poop
FMD is transmitted by:
Cough or sneeze
Close contacts such as kisses, hugs, cup parts, or utensil parts
Shit contact, like changing diapers
Touching surfaces with the virus
Foot and mouth disease diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your child's symptoms and look for skin lesions or rashes. Usually, it is enough to decide if it is a disease of the hands, feet, and mouth. You can also clean your child's throat or take a stool or blood sample for laboratory tests.
FMD Treatment
There is no cure or vaccination against hand disease, foot, and mouth disease.
Because a virus causes it, antibiotics don't help. It usually goes away on its own after 7-10 days. In the meantime, you can help your child feel better with:
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen or mouth-numbing sprays.
Do not use aspirin as it can cause serious illness in children.
Cold treats like popsicles, yogurt, or smoothies relieve a sore throat.
Avoid juices and carbonated drinks that contain acids that can irritate the sores.
An anti-itch lotion like calamine for rashes
FMD Complications
Serious complications from diseases of the hands, feet, and mouth are rare.
Enterovirus 71 is more likely to cause problems than other HFMD viruses.
Complications can include:
Dehydration of sores in the mouth makes it difficult to drink fluids.
Swelling of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (viral meningitis)
Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)
Swelling of the heart muscle (myocarditis)
paralysis
Your child is most contagious during the first 7 days of illness.
But the virus can stay in your body for days or weeks and spread through saliva or stool.
To reduce the risk of infection, do the following:
Wash your hands well, especially after changing a diaper or cleaning a child's nose.
Help children keep their hands clean.
Teach children to cover their mouth and nose when they sneeze or cough. A scarf is better, but the sleeve of your shirt also works.
Clean and disinfect shared surfaces and objects such as toys and door handles.
Do not kiss or kiss anyone with your hand, foot, and mouth disease. Do not share cups or utensils with them.