Q
: What is hand-foot-mouth disease ( HFMD ) and what are its telltale signs ?
A
: Hand-foot-mouth disease ( HFMD ) is an infection that typically affects infants and children and is caused by viruses in the enterovirus group . HFMD typically presents with mouth or throat pain or a refusal to eat . The affected children may have painful mouth ulcers , which can make swallowing difficult . Some children may develop red spots on their palms or soles that could potentially turn into blisters . A skin rash ( usually non-itchy ) may occur on the knee , elbow , or buttocks .
Q
: What are the health risks associated with it , and should parents always seek advice from a paediatrician ?
A
: HFMD is typically a mild viral infection that usually resolves within seven to 10 days when the body develops immunity . Due to painful mouth ulcers , some children may refuse to drink , putting them at risk of dehydration . Parents should always seek medical advice if any of the following conditions are present :
- Persistent fever with increased redness or swelling over the sores , which may indicate signs of secondary bacterial infection and require further assessment .
- Developed signs of dehydration with trouble eating or drinking . The signs of dehydration include lethargy and poor urine output ( no wet diaper for 4 to 6 hours in young infants , and no passing of urine for 6 to 8 hours in older children ).
Q
: What are the main treatment options ?
A
: The treatment of HFMD is mainly supportive . There are no specific drugs that can kill the viruses . Healthcare providers can prescribe medications , such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen , to relieve fever or pain . However , aspirin is contraindicated in children because it can cause a serious illness known as Reye Syndrome . It is important to ensure children drink adequate fluids to avoid dehydration . The sores in the mouth can make swallowing difficult . To ease swallowing , offer cold foods ( such as ice cream ) or soft foods ( such as pudding ).
Q
: How can HFMD be prevented ?
A
: There are no vaccines to prevent HFMD . However , it spreads most easily during the first week that a person is sick . The virus can remain in the body for weeks after the person feels better and still be contagious to others . To prevent spreading HFMD :
- Teach your child to : not touch the rash or rub their eyes , avoid putting fingers or toys in their mouth , sneeze or cough into a tissue or the bend of their elbow , and wash their hands often with soap and warm water .
- Wash hands after touching the rash , going to the bathroom , before touching food , before eating , and after touching animals .
- Disinfect bathrooms , toys , and other objects that your child touches with soap and water or other disinfectants .
- Do not share things like drinking cups , eating utensils , brushes , combs , or towels .
- Avoid hugging , kissing , or having close contact with a child who is infected .
If your child attends school or a childcare centre , it is important to inform the staff that your child has HFMD . The school staff and other parents need to watch out for symptoms in other children . The affected child should stay away from school or the child care centre until they have been fever-free for 24 hours and their mouth sores and open blisters have healed .
Dr Ng Yun Yun
Dr Ng Yun Yun is a paediatrician and neonatologist at Gleneagles Hospital Penang in Malaysia .
GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com ISSUE 2 | 2024
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