Patient's question:
My child just came back after studying abroad for a month, and they have developed many blisters in their mouth, as well as red spots on their hands. They also have a slight fever. After seeing a doctor, it was diagnosed as hand, foot, and mouth disease. How should it be treated?Doctor's answer:
At the onset of the illness, the child's symptoms are relatively mild and similar to a cold. Possible symptoms include low-grade fever, fatigue, sore throat, drooling, runny nose, and a lack of appetite. Within 1 to 2 days, rashes may appear on the palms, soles, oral mucosa, and perianal area. In some cases, the rash may spread to the limbs and buttocks, though it rarely appears on the torso. The small blisters in the mouth are surrounded by a red halo, and they can merge and rupture quickly, forming white erosions. The small blisters on the palms and soles are the size of rice grains or peas, and they are separate and do not merge. Some children may also experience abdominal pain and diarrhea. Most children recover within about a week, and there are no scars after healing. However, a small number of children who do not receive timely and appropriate treatment may develop complications such as myocarditis or pulmonary edema. In severe cases, the illness can even lead to death.