Does your little one have hand, foot and mouth disease? (Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease) Don't worry, let's find out the details!

Is your little one suddenly refusing to eat? Is he crying as if something is stuck in his mouth? Has he developed red blisters on his palms and soles in a few days? So, we're going to talk about Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), which many of you have heard of. Although this is a common and scary topic among parents of young children, it's actually very easy to manage if you are properly informed about it.

Simply put, what is hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)?

This is a common, highly contagious viral illness. It gets its name from the blister-like rash that appears mainly on a child's hands and feet (especially the palms and soles of the feet), and painful sores inside the mouth . But remember, these blisters can appear not only on the hands, feet, and mouth, but also on the child's chest, back, limbs, buttocks, and genitals.

This disease is most common in children under the age of 5. It spreads very quickly, especially among preschool (daycare) and school-going children. However, older children and, rarely, adults can also get this disease. Because there are several types of viruses that can cause this disease, it is possible to get this disease more than once.

What are the symptoms of this disease? Let's learn about it step by step.

The symptoms of this disease usually appear in two stages. In the early days, they show symptoms similar to those of a common cold. Then, the familiar blisters appear. Let's look at this in order to understand it clearly.

Usually, all of these symptoms disappear completely within 7-10 days. However, it may take a little longer for the virus to completely clear from the body in children under 2 years of age.

How does this disease develop? Also, is it contagious?

HFMD is caused by several types of viruses belonging to the Coxsackievirus and Enterovirus families. These viruses live in our digestive tract.

Yes, this disease is definitely highly contagious. The child is most contagious in the first few days before symptoms, especially skin blisters, appear. Even after the blisters have dried up, the virus can be shed in the child's stool for weeks. Therefore, it is important to be very careful about cleanliness.

Ways this disease spreads:

• By inhaling tiny droplets that enter the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes .
• By touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with dirty hands after getting saliva, feces , or urine from the patient.
• By direct contact with the fluid from the blisters on the patient's skin.
• By kissing or hugging someone who has the disease.
• By sharing items such as cups, plates, spoons, and towels used by the patient.
• By touching surfaces such as toys and doorknobs that are contaminated with the virus and then touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with the same hands.

Are there any complications to be afraid of?

First of all, serious complications from this disease are very rare. So don't be unnecessarily scared. But it's important to be aware.

• Dehydration: Painful mouth sores can make it very difficult for a child to eat or drink. This can lead to dehydration, which is something we need to be most careful about.
• Nail loss: Some children may lose one or more of their fingernails or toenails after the illness has resolved. This is temporary, and new nails will grow back.
• Viral Meningitis and Encephalitis: These are very rare but serious complications. They involve infection and swelling of the brain or the membranes that cover the brain. If your child shows symptoms such as severe headache, stiff neck, excessive sleepiness, or confusion, they should be hospitalized immediately. But remember, these conditions are very rare.

How does a doctor diagnose this? What is the treatment?

A doctor can usually diagnose HFMD by examining the sores in a child's mouth and blisters on their skin. Sometimes a sample can be taken from the throat or blister and sent to a lab for testing, but this is not always necessary.

There is no specific treatment or cure for this disease. Since this is a viral disease , antibiotics do not provide any relief.

The best part is that most children recover within a few days with simple home care. All we do is treat the symptoms.

Treatments you can do at home

• For fever and pain: You can give a pain reliever such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen in the amount recommended by your doctor. Do not give children aspirin for any reason.
• For mouth sores: If your child is a little older, you can rinse their mouth with warm salt water. This will help reduce the pain a little.
• Food and drink:
• Give cold things . Hot or warm drinks and foods can make the mouth sore worse.
• Give cold, easy-to-swallow things like ice packs, yogurt, jelly, and pudding.
• Avoid giving spicy, hot, and sour foods (like oranges and lemons). These can increase the pain of mouth ulcers.
• The most important thing is to give your child plenty of fluids. Give small amounts of water, milk, and other fluids frequently.

At what time do you need to see a doctor in an emergency?

Although this condition can usually be treated at home, in some cases it is essential to seek medical advice. Be aware of the following symptoms.

How can we prevent the spread of this disease?

Cleanliness is the most important thing. By following these simple steps, you can prevent the spread of the disease to others in your family and to society.

• Wash your hands often: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing your baby's diaper, after using the toilet, before preparing food, and before eating.
• Keep surfaces clean: Clean frequently touched objects such as toys, doorknobs, and tables with disinfectant.
• Avoid sharing: Avoid sharing your child's cups, plates, spoons, and towels with others.
• Keep your child home: If your child is sick, avoid sending them to school or preschool until their fever is gone, their blisters have dried, and they are active as usual. Check with your doctor to make sure.
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing: Teach your child to bend their elbow and cough or sneeze into it.

A few more questions about this disease...

Do adults also get this disease?

Yes, it can develop. But it is not as common as in children. Most of the time, even if it does develop in adults, it does not show symptoms, or it shows very mild symptoms.

Is this related to foot-and-mouth disease in animals?

Absolutely not. This is a point where many people get confused. The disease that affects animals (such as cattle, pigs, and goats) is caused by a completely different virus. That disease is not contagious to humans. Similarly, the disease that affects humans, HFMD, is not contagious to animals.

Hand, foot and mouth disease, Hand Foot and Mouth Disease, HFMD, Children's diseases, Infectious diseases, Skin blisters, Mouth sores