Hello, I would like to ask you for some information. There is a child in my family who has hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Patient's question:

No

Doctor's answer:

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious, eruptive infectious disease, primarily caused by Coxsackie virus. It can occur throughout the year, but is most prevalent during summer and autumn. It can affect people of all ages, especially children under 3. The virus resides in the throat, saliva, blisters, and feces of infected children. It can be transmitted to other children through saliva, sneezing, coughing, and droplets when speaking, as well as indirectly through hands, daily utensils, and tableware. Once it spreads, it can infect many children. Infected children will develop small blisters resembling chickenpox on their hands, feet, or oral mucosa, hence the name hand, foot, and mouth disease.
Treatment:
1. Seek medical treatment at a hospital and take medication as prescribed by the doctor, while resting in bed.
2. If necessary, oral traditional Chinese medicine can be taken, such as Xiao Er Yan Chong Ji, Qing Kai Ling oral liquid, or Ban Lan Gen Chong Ji.
3. Apply or Smecta to the affected oral area 2-3 times daily.
4. Maintain oral and skin hygiene by cleaning the mouth with physiological saline daily. Also, monitor the patient to prevent scratching the blisters on the skin, which could lead to rupture and infection.