Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral infection caused by the coxsackie virus and characterized by blisters or rashes on the hand, foot, and mouth, along with high fever. This disease is more common in children under five due to a lack of immunity and not being exposed to such a virus.

Unfortunately, HDMD is highly contagious as it spreads very fast. Some children may develop the disease without showing signs or symptoms but are still infectious. The common transmission sources are feces, saliva, food, sharing towels, toys, and respiratory droplets.

Symptoms of HFMD

The main symptoms of HFMD in children include the following.

  • High-grade fever
  • Increased irritability
  • Soreness of the throat may be due to blisters in the throat
  • Loss of appetite
  • Rashes that appear as red spots on palms, soles, or around the mouth or sometimes on genital areas, elbows, or knees.

 

Tips for tackling the disease in children

 

Give oral fluids

Keep the child hydrated because it is essential for their health during infection.

  • If the child is breastfeeding, feed them with it properly or give them formula milk to fulfill their liquid need.
  • If not breastfeeding, provide them with the water required for the kid to stay hydrated.

Moreover, if a child cries without tears, goes to the toilet less than three times a day, or wet diapers less than three times a day, we must consult a pediatrician because these are cardinal signs of dehydration.

Soft foods

Children may have difficulty ingesting solid, spicy, and hot foods with a painful mouth or sore throat. Thus, soft and chilled foods are usually preferred.

Proper hygiene

Washing hands properly after playing or cleaning the infected kid can decrease the spread of infection. It is also recommended to change the baby’s diaper as soon as they get wet is also recommended.

Moreover, avoid a polluted environment; while moving out, we should cover the body and face of an infected child adequately. Sanitize the playing tools and use disinfectant to avoid contamination for your child.

Over-the-counter medications

Over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) relieve pain in children with blisters or sore throats. Furthermore, these medications can manage the fever. However, it is recommended to avoid aspirin in young children as it increases the risk of another disease, “Reye’s syndrome,” among them.

Observe for cardinal signs

It is advisable to see a doctor immediately if a child with HFMD has any of the following symptoms.

  • Temperature of more than 101 F.
  • Signs of dehydration, i.e., sunken eyes, dry mouth, lightheadedness, dark-colored urine, etc.
  • Persistent symptoms for more than seven days.
  • Increased severity of the symptoms.

Conclusion

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral disease caused by the coxsackie virus, more common in children under five years. High fever, rashes, blisters, sore throat, and irritation are the common symptoms of this disease. HFMD usually spreads through sharing towels, saliva, feces, toys, and food. Keeping the child hydrated, giving soft foods, proper hygiene, and painkillers can help manage the symptoms and reduce the spread of the virus.