Patient's question:
These past few days, my child has had a slight fever. I took them to the hospital for a thorough check-up, and the doctor said it's hand, foot, and mouth disease. How should I treat my child's hand, foot, and mouth disease?Doctor's answer:
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a rash-like infectious disease, primarily caused by Coxsackie virus. It can occur throughout the year, but it is most common during summer and autumn. It can affect people of any age, especially children under 3. After contracting hand, foot, and mouth disease, children may show symptoms such as fever, papules and vesicles on the buttocks and around the mouth, as well as papules and vesicles on the extremities. Vesicles may also appear in the oral and pharyngeal regions. Children may exhibit symptoms like refusal to eat, high fever, and oral pain, and it is necessary to seek medical attention.Hand, foot, and mouth disease is typically divided into two types. Most cases are mild and can heal on their own within 5-7 days. However, some cases can be severe, potentially leading to complications such as encephalitis, pulmonary edema, and circulatory disorders. Once it is suspected that an infection has occurred, medical attention should be sought promptly, and contact with others should be avoided. Generally, isolation is required for 2 weeks.