Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common infection in children that causes ulcers in the mouth as well as a rash on the hands and feet.
The illness is transferred through direct contact with spit or mucus.
Symptoms include fever, sore throat, feeling ill, irritability, and loss of appetite.
The infection normally clears up on its own within 10 days. Symptoms may be alleviated by pain medication.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HAND, FOOT, AND MOUTH DISEASE
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease can cause all or part of the following signs and symptoms. They are as follows:
- Appetite loss
- Fever
- Lesions on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks that are painful, red, and blister-like.
- Infant and toddler irritability
- A red rash that does not itch but occasionally blisters on the palms, soles, and buttocks.
- Feeling ill
- Sore throat
The typical incubation period is three to six days from the time of initial infection to the emergence of signs and symptoms. A fever is frequently the initial symptom of hand-foot-and-mouth disease, followed by a sore throat and, in some cases, a loss of appetite and a general feeling of being ill.
Painful sores at the front of the mouth or throat may appear one or two days after the fever begins. Within one or two days, a rash on the hands and feet, as well as the buttocks, may appear.
Sores at the back of the mouth and throat may indicate that your child is afflicted with herpangina, a similar viral condition. Herpangina can also cause a sudden high temperature and, in some cases, a seizure. Sores on the hands, feet, or other regions of the body are quite uncommon.
CAUSES OF HAND, FOOT, AND MOUTH DISEASE
Infection with the coxsackievirus A16 is the most prevalent cause of hand-foot-and-mouth disease. The coxsackievirus is a member of a virus family known as nonpolio enteroviruses. Other forms of enteroviruses can also cause hand-foot-and-mouth disease.
The viruses that cause Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease live in the body fluids of affected people, including:
- Stool
- respiratory droplets blasted into the air as a result of coughing or sneezing
- Saliva
- Blisters or scabs' fluid
- Nasal secretions or a discharge from the throat
COMPLICATIONS OF HAND, FOOT, AND MOUTH DISEASE
Dehydration is the most prevalent complication of hand-foot-and-mouth disease. The condition can create tongue and throat sores, making swallowing uncomfortable and difficult.
Keep a close eye on your child to ensure that he or she drinks plenty of fluids during the illness. If the dehydration is severe enough, intravenous (IV) fluids may be required.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is often a small illness with only a few days of fever and moderate signs and symptoms. A rare and potentially fatal strain of coxsackievirus can infect the brain and create various complications:
- Meningitis caused by a virus: This is an extremely unusual infection and inflammation of the membranes (meninges) and cerebrospinal fluid that surround the brain and spinal cord.
- Encephalitis: This serious and potentially fatal condition is caused by a virus-induced brain inflammation. Encephalitis is quite rare.
HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY HAND, FOOT, AND MOUTH DISEASE?
A physical exam can often be used by a doctor to identify Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. They will examine your mouth and body for blisters and rashes. The doctor will also inquire about any other symptoms you or your kid may be experiencing.
To test for the virus, the doctor may take a throat swab or a stool sample. They will be able to confirm the diagnosis as a result of this.
PREVENTION OF HAND, FOOT, AND MOUTH DISEASE
The first seven days of your child's illness are the most contagious. However, the virus can live in their bodies for days or weeks and transmit through spit or excrement. Take the following precautions to reduce your risk of infection:
- Hands should be thoroughly washed: Hands should be washed regularly and thoroughly, especially after using the toilet or changing a diaper, as well as before preparing and consuming food. When soap and water aren't accessible, use germ-killing alcohol-treated hand wipes or gels.
- Isolate contagious individuals: Because hand-foot-and-mouth disease is highly contagious, those suffering from it should limit their contact with others while the condition is active. Children with hand, foot, and mouth disease should be kept out of child care or school until their fever has subsided and their oral sores have healed. Stay home from work if you have the illness.
- Disinfect public areas: Make a routine of cleaning high-traffic areas and surfaces with soap and water first, followed by a diluted solution of chlorine bleach and water. Child care facilities should maintain a thorough cleaning and disinfection regimen for all common spaces, including shared things such as toys, as the virus can remain on these objects for days. Pacifiers for your kid should be cleaned on a regular basis.
- Teach proper hygiene: Demonstrate to your children the importance of proper hygiene and how to keep oneself clean. Explain why it is important not to put their fingers, hands, or other objects in their mouths.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR HAND, FOOT, AND MOUTH DISEASE?
In most situations, the infection will clear up on its own in 7 to 10 days. Your doctor may, however, offer specific therapies to assist alleviate symptoms until the sickness has run its course. These can include:
- Soothe a sore throat with cold delicacies such as ice pops, yogurt, or smoothies. Avoid juice and soda, both of which contain acids that can exacerbate sores.
- To treat headaches, take pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Anti-itch lotion that can be used to treat rashes, like calamine.
CONCLUSION
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a frequent childhood ailment. It can be painful, but it is not life-threatening. It is not the same as foot-and-mouth disease, which is caused by a separate virus and only affects animals.