Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Here is yet another reason to encourage children to wash their hands: it can help prevent the spread of hand, foot and mouth
(HFM) disease. HFM disease is a common disease caused by infectious viruses from the family caused enteroviruses, most commonly
the coxsackievirus.
These viruses live in the body's digestive tract and spread from person to person, usually on unwashed hands and surfaces
contaminated by feces. Children aged 1 to 4 are particularly vulnerable to the disease, cases are often found in nurseries
Nurseries and other places where children gather. The illness usually lasts 3-5 days.
Outbreaks usually occur during the warm summer and early autumn months, although they can happen all year round in the tropical parts
the world.
Signs and symptoms
HFM disease (not to be confused with foot-and-mouth disease, an illness that affects barnyard animals completely independent
and livestock) causes painful blisters in the throat, tongue, gums, hard palate, or inside the cheeks. Bubbles are red
a small bubble of fluid often turn up and ulcers. The soles of the feet and the palms of the hands may also
with a rash, which may as flat red spots or red blisters appear to be affected.
Occasionally, a pink rash on other parts of the body like to see the buttocks and thighs. However, some children
with HFM disease develop no symptoms, or if they do, can only wounds in the back of the throat.
It can be difficult to say to a parent when a child (especially a preverbal child) has HFM disease if sores are only inside
the mouth or throat. Very young children may not be able to complain of a sore throat, but when a child stops eating or
drink, or want to eat or drink less, it is a signal to parents that something is wrong.
A child could also:
develop fever, muscle aches, or other flu-like symptoms
irritable or sleep more than usual
begin drooling (due to swallowing)
tend towards cold liquids
Treatment
If your child continually irritable or refusing food or drink, it's time to see the doctor. Although there is no medical
Cure for HFM disease (the disease has run its course), the doctor may recommend home health remedies to your
Child more comfortable during recovery.
Given acetaminophen or ibuprofen to a child, comfort or relieve painful sores in the mouth or is irritable or painful
Discomfort associated with fever. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers because it can be a rare but serious disease cause
called Reye's syndrome.
A child who has difficulty swallowing might be prescribed "magic mouthwash" - a mixture of pharmacists that can be made
dabbed onto sores to relieve pain. Cold foods such as popsicles and relieve pain by numbing the area, and will be a
Welcome to those who have difficulty swallowing (and even those who do not!) Have to deal with.
Kids with blisters on the hands or feet, the surfaces should be kept clean (wash with lukewarm water and soap, pat dry) and
revealed. If a blister pops, dab on a little antibiotic ointment to prevent infection and cover it with a small
Association.
It is very important to make sure that your child drinks plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Call your doctor if your
Child remains very irritable, can not be comforted, is lethargic, or has signs of dehydration such as dry tongue, sunken
Eyes or urine output decreases, or if symptoms worsen.
HFM disease usually resolves within a few days to a week and kids recover completely. Very rarely it can lead to
Complications such as viral meningitis (infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord) or encephalitis
(Infection and inflammation of the brain)
Preventing the spread
There is no vaccine to prevent HFM disease or other similar infections. HFM is contagious and can spread through
Contact with feces, saliva, mucus from the nose, or fluid from the blisters. Even after recovery, kids can the virus
in their stool for several weeks, so can always extend the infection to other areas, although they are no longer sick.
Hand washing is the best protection. Remind everyone in your family to wash their hands frequently, especially after
Using the toilet, changing a diaper, before meals and before preparing food. Shared toys in childcare centers should
often cleaned with a disinfectant because these viruses can live on objects for several days.
Keep children home from school and child care, while they have a fever or open blisters on the skin and mouth.