Patient's question:
Before being diagnosed, I thought it was a cold and received intravenous fluids for two days. After returning, my hands and feet itched terribly all night. The next morning, I broke out in a rash. The hospital diagnosed hand, foot, and mouth disease. It still itches. What should I do?Doctor's answer:
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is an infectious disease caused by enteroviruses. It occurs in children under the age of 5 and can lead to the appearance of blisters on the hands, feet, mouth, and other parts. In a few children, it may cause complications such as myocarditis, pulmonary edema, and aseptic meningitis. During the treatment of hand, foot, and mouth disease, the appropriate treatment method is chosen based on the situation. For example, in early cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease, medication alone can fully control the condition without the need for intravenous fluids. However, if a child has oral mucosal ulcers and high fever that does not subside, intravenous fluid treatment should be chosen. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by a viral infection. The virus is a self-limiting disease and can typically be resolved within about 7 days. However, it is obviously difficult to rely on a child's immune system to compete with the virus. Therefore, doctors will prescribe antiviral medications and antibiotics for the child.