Patient's question:
The day before yesterday, my child said they had a small bump on their finger, but I didn't take it seriously. By the next day, there were more on their hand, but the child didn't have a fever or symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. I can't be sure if it's hand, foot, and mouth disease. I've already taken the child home. What is the difference between hand, foot, and mouth disease and herpes?Doctor's answer:
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is very similar to herpes. Herpes usually does not appear on the palms. Both hand, foot, and mouth disease and herpes develop blisters in the aforementioned areas, and oral ulcers are also referred to as severe, often accompanied by fever and poor appetite. Sleep disturbances and mental appetite usually worsen. Patients with severe hand, foot, and mouth disease complicated by pneumonia and meningitis require hospitalization for treatment. If possible, it is best to go to the hospital to get vaccinated to prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease. In home care, you should also pay attention to personal hygiene, wash your hands frequently, bathe regularly, change your clothes often, and avoid eating cold and light foods.