HFMD

Hfmd. Your child may have painful mouth sores and a blister-like rash on their hands and feet due to hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), a highly contagious viral infection. Babies and children under the age of five are most frequently affected. Since HFMD is usually moderate, it normally goes away on its own in seven to ten days.

HFMD

A virus is the cause of the highly contagious Hand, foot and mouth disease  (HFMD). The blister-like rash that appears on your child’s hands and feet and the painful sores that occur in their mouth are what give the condition its name. Actually, the rash can develop anywhere on their body, including the arms, legs, genitalia, buttocks, back, and chest.

Signs

The symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease usually manifest in two phases. Your child may have flu-like symptoms at the beginning of the illness, including: Mild temperature.
sore throat.
runny nose.
Stomachache.
appetite loss.
These symptoms will disappear after a few days, and other ones will appear, such as: An itchy rash on your child’s hands, feet, elbows, knees, genitalia, or buttocks.

They may get painful mouth sores on their tongue or anywhere else in and around their mouth. Usually, the sores begin as little bumps or bright pink spots that develop into blisters.
neck lymph nodes that are swollen.
In most cases, hand, foot, and mouth disease symptoms go away in seven to ten days. However, it may take a bit longer for the bodies of children under the age of two to get rid of the virus.

Causes

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by viruses that are members of the enterovirus and coxsackievirus families. The following viruses are present in your child’s digestive tract:
Mouth.
Esophagus.
Stomach.
small intestine.
intestinal tract (large).
Rectum.
Butthole, or anus.

Treatment

Hand, foot, and mouth illness has no known cure. Since antibiotics don’t treat viruses, they won’t work. Fortunately, HFMD symptoms are usually not severe. With little at-home care, most individuals get better in a week or two. Treatment options for hand, foot, and mouth diseases may include:

OTC medications for pain and fever, such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and acetaminophen (Tylenol®). Avoid giving your child aspirin because it can lead to Reye’s syndrome.
For kids who are old enough, gargling with salt water can help ease sore throats.

Adults can ease the pain by using mouthwash or a numbing spray.
Additional advice for at-home therapy consists of:

Steer clear of acidic or spicy foods since these can exacerbate your mouth sores.
Consume cold liquids. Drinking warm or hot liquids can exacerbate your mouth sores.
Use ice pops or cold beverages to keep your toddler hydrated.

Prevention

Hand, foot, and mouth illness is caused by viruses that are extremely contagious. Frequently, the infection spreads before a person becomes ill. By following these hygienic measures, you can reduce or perhaps eliminate the illness’s spread:

Sneeze or cough into your elbow.
Items that are frequently touched, such doorknobs, countertops, and toys, should be cleaned.
Avoid sharing blankets, towels, drinks, eating utensils, or clothes.
Keep healthy kids away from sick kids.

Clean your child’s bedding, clothes, and other filthy objects.
Frequently wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.

Summary

In less than two weeks, hand, foot, and mouth disease symptoms usually subside with little care. It’s crucial to maintain proper hygiene and take precautions to prevent the virus from spreading because it’s extremely contagious.