As parents, it's important to recognize some of the common illnesses that affect children so you can see a doctor as soon as possible when symptoms appear. Coughs, colds and flu, gastroenteritis, chicken pox... And hand, foot and mouth disease. The latter consists of a mild but highly contagious virus, caused by the Coxsackie virus.
It especially affects young children, from when they are babies to seven years of age. But it can also spread to older children and adults. Although its prognosis is not serious, it can be uncomfortable for the little one who suffers from it. Its name comes precisely from the areas that are affected by hand, foot and mouth disease.
Since the child is exposed to the virus, the first symptoms appear three to six days later. The main indication of this disease is the appearance of a rash made up of small blisters in the area of the mouth, hands and feet. It is also sometimes found on the buttocks, arms, and legs.
These blisters are usually red in color and contain a small bubble of fluid inside. When they burst, they can give way to a sore or a scab. As a general rule, rashes do not itch or hurt the child, although these discomforts do occur in some cases.
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease may be limited to just the onset of rashes, but sometimes it is accompanied by other flu-like symptoms. The child may have a fever and a sore throat, as well as muscle pain, tiredness, malaise, and irritability.
As a result of that sore throat, they may not want to eat or drink, leading to dehydration. In addition, this discomfort manifests itself with an increase in drooling due to difficulty swallowing.
When symptoms appear, it is best to see a doctor to evaluate your child's condition. This disease does not have a cure as such, nor does it have a preventive vaccine. The symptoms and discomfort usually disappear in a week.
Therefore, treatment will focus on reducing your sore throat and reducing your fever with medication. If necessary, the doctor will assess the need to also include some remedy for the itching or stinging of the rash. In addition, you will have to make sure that it stays hydrated.
Since it is a highly contagious disease, try to avoid contact of other children with the pustules of the infected child, as well as wash their clothes, toys and other objects with which they come into contact well. It is also important that you wash your hands after changing the diaper. And, if possible, avoid taking him to nursery school or school while he is unwell.
