Patient's question:
My baby has had a cold for 8 days. At first, it was a fever, but after getting injections and taking medicine, the fever went down. Two days later, a sore throat and oral ulcers appeared, followed by another fever. She has been on intravenous drips for five days, but the fever is still recurring. Her gums are slightly red and swollen. Is this hand, foot, and mouth disease? There are no red rashes on her hands and feet.Doctor's answer:
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common illness among infants and children. HFMD is a contagious disease caused by enterovirus infection, characterized by blisters or red papules on the hands, feet, and buttocks, surrounded by a red halo. The rash is painless, itchy, does not crust, and does not leave scars. At the same time, most children have blisters in their mouths, accompanied by pain, drooling, refusal to eat, and fever. It is essential to seek medical treatment, take medication as prescribed by the doctor, and rest in bed. Chinese herbal medicine can be taken if necessary. Pay attention to oral and skin hygiene, clean the mouth with physiological saline daily, and ensure close supervision of the patient to prevent scratching the skin blisters, which could lead to rupture and infection.