Hand-foot disease, or more commonly known as hand-foot-mouth disease, is a highly contagious, rash-like disease that occurs as a result of infection caused by a virus. Symptoms include sores in or around the mouth; rashes and blisters on the hands, feet, legs or buttocks. Although it is an uncomfortable disease, it does not present with serious symptoms. It can occur in any age group, but is more common in children under the age of 10. Although there is no definitive treatment for the disease, some steps can be taken to alleviate the symptoms.
What are the causes of Hand Foot Mouth Disease?
There are usually two viruses that cause the disease. These are called coxsackievirus A16 and enterovirus 71. A person can catch the virus by coming into contact with someone who has the disease or by touching an object such as a toy or doorknob that is infected with the virus. The virus tends to spread easily in the summer and fall.
Hand, foot and mouth disease;
saliva
liquid in blisters
feces
It tends to spread quickly through respiratory droplets sprayed into the air after coughing or sneezing.
What are the symptoms of hand foot disease?
Early symptoms of hand-foot-mouth disease include fever and sore throat. Painful blisters that resemble deep wounds may appear in and around the child's mouth or on the tongue. After the first symptoms appear, the patient may experience redness on their hands, especially the palms of their hands and the soles of their feet, which may last for 1-2 days. These rednesses may even turn into blisters filled with fluid.
Rashes or sores may also appear on the knees, elbows, and buttocks. Your child may have all of these symptoms or just one or two. Other symptoms that may be seen include loss of appetite, weakness, restlessness, and headache. Some children may also have fingernails or toenails that fall off.
How is hand-foot disease diagnosed?
Hand, foot and mouth disease can be easily diagnosed by the doctor by questioning the patient's complaints and examining the wounds and rashes by performing a physical examination. These are usually sufficient for diagnosis, but a throat swab, stool or blood sample may be required for a definitive diagnosis.
How is hand foot disease treated?
Hand-foot disease usually heals on its own after 7 to 10 days, even without any treatment. There is no drug treatment or vaccine for the disease. Hand-foot disease treatment includes some methods to relieve the symptoms.
It is important to use painkillers, fever reducers and other medications recommended by your doctor as often as necessary. Aspirin should be avoided because it can cause more serious illnesses in children.
What is good for hand and foot disease?
Cold foods like popsicles and foods that soothe a sore throat like yogurt can provide relief from hand-foot-mouth disease. Healthy cold summer soups should be preferred, as chewing hard or crunchy foods can be painful. These help to ensure that the body gets the nutrients it needs to strengthen the immune system. It is helpful to apply creams and lotions recommended by your doctor for itching to the rash and blisters as often as necessary. Gently applying coconut oil to the rash and blisters can also help speed up healing.
What can be done to prevent the spread of hand-foot-mouth disease?
The first 7 days of the disease are the period when the infection is most contagious. However, the virus continues to spread through oral fluids and feces for days and weeks after the symptoms have completely disappeared. The easiest way to prevent the disease from spreading to others is to wash your child's hands and your own hands thoroughly. It is especially important to wash your hands after blowing your child's nose and changing diapers.
Source : https://www.medicalpark.com.tr