Patient's question:
My child is one year old. First, they had a fever, and two days later, they developed blisters on their hands and feet and ulcers in their mouth. After taking medicine, the fever still persisted, ranging between 37.5 and 38.5 degrees Celsius. What should I do?Doctor's answer:
Now there is no specific medicine for hand, foot, and mouth disease, mainly focusing on measures such as fever reduction, anti-inflammatory treatment, and care for the child. This disease is often caused by the Enterovirus 71 (EV71) strain and commonly occurs in children under the age of 4. It can be contracted throughout the year, but it is most prevalent during the summer. It is transmitted through the respiratory tract.During a fever, the child should rest more, drink plenty of warm water, and eat soft, easily digestible foods, as well as fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins. Personal hygiene must be maintained at all times—skin and hands should be washed frequently, and clothes and bedding should be frequently sunned to keep them dry and clean. Cracked blisters are recommended to be treated with gentian violet externally. Toys and feces of the affected child should be disinfected.
Feverish patients can take fever-reducing medications, vitamin C, and traditional Chinese medicine with antiviral effects.