Patient's question:
The other day, I took my child out to play, and when I came back, I noticed some rashes on my hands. I also had a mild fever and suspected I might have hand, foot, and mouth disease. What are the symptoms of this illness?Doctor's answer:
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious illness, primarily affecting children. It is also known as eruptive vesicular stomatitis. After children are infected with enteroviruses, they usually develop symptoms such as fever, typically around 38°C. Dispersed, rice-sized vesicles appear on the oral mucosa, causing significant pain. Mild cases may initially present with symptoms similar to upper respiratory infections, such as coughing, runny nose, and drooling. Some children may also experience nausea and vomiting. After 1–2 days of fever, rashes begin to appear, usually on the hands, feet, or buttocks, or as oral mucosal vesicles. Some children may not develop fever but only show rashes or herpetic pharyngitis on their hands, feet, or buttocks, with milder symptoms.