Is your little one suddenly crying and not eating? Are there small blister-like sores inside the mouth? Are there red spots on the palms and soles? Then this could be hand, foot, and mouth disease, or as we call it in medical terms, Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD). Don't be scared when you hear this name. This is a very common condition among young children, especially those under 5 years old, and it is usually not serious. Let's be aware of this.
What is hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)?
Simply put, it is a viral illness. It is very contagious. It spreads quickly, especially among children who attend daycare and preschool. When this illness occurs, ulcers mainly appear inside the child's mouth. In addition, a rash with small blisters may appear on the hands, feet (especially the palms and soles), and sometimes the buttocks.
It's important to remember that this disease is not the same as Foot-and-Mouth Disease, which affects animals. It's a completely different virus that only affects animals. HFMD is a disease that affects humans, especially young children. So don't be alarmed by the similarity in name.
This is mainly caused by the Coxsackievirus and Enterovirus groups of viruses. Just as we get the common cold from different viruses, these viruses cause HFMD.
How to identify the symptoms exactly?
The symptoms of this disease usually appear in two stages. The first day or two are like a common cold. Then the symptoms that are specific to HFMD appear.
This can be further explained in the table below.
| Stage of the disease | Symptoms to expect |
|---|---|
| Early stage (first 1-2 days) |
|
| Later stage (after 2-3 days) |
These mouth sores make it very difficult for the child to swallow food and drink. The pain is why many children refuse to eat and cry frequently.
How is this disease transmitted? How can we protect ourselves?
This virus is found in the body fluids of an infected person. That means:
- In saliva
- In mucus and mucus
- In the water in the blisters
- In the feces
So, this disease can be spread very easily from person to person.
Main ways of transmission:
- Coughing and sneezing: Through tiny droplets that enter the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- Direct contact: kissing, hugging, sharing cups and dishes with someone who is sick.
- Through feces: Especially if hands are not washed properly with soap after changing diapers of young children.
- Dirty surfaces: If you touch objects such as toys or doorknobs that are contaminated with the virus and then touch your mouth or nose.
How to prevent it?
Prevention is the best treatment.
- Wash your hands often: Make it a habit for you and your child to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly, especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after changing diapers.
- Keep toys clean: Clean toys used by children and frequently touched surfaces in the home (doorknobs, tables) with disinfectant periodically.
- Separate personal items: Avoid sharing your child's cups, plates, spoons, and towels with others.
- Keep your child home if he or she is sick: Do not send your child to daycare or school until the symptoms have gone away. This can help prevent the spread of the illness to other children.
What can you do at home? And when should you see a doctor?
Most of the time, HFMD will clear up on its own within 7-10 days. There is no specific antiviral medicine or vaccine to kill the virus. Therefore, antibiotics will not help, as they do not kill viruses. However, there are many things we can do at home to help our child feel better.
Home care:
1. For pain and fever: Give Paracetamol or Ibuprofen in the prescribed dosage as directed by your doctor. Do not give Aspirin to children under 16 years of age for any reason. It can cause a dangerous condition called Reye's Syndrome.
2. Relief for mouth sores: Mouth sores can make it difficult for your child to eat or drink. So, give them cold, soft, and bland foods like yogurt, ice cream, jelly, and pudding. Avoid sour drinks like oranges and lemons, and spicy foods. They can make the sores more painful.
3. Prevent dehydration: Give your child small amounts of fluids (water, milk, soup) regularly. Be sure to monitor whether your child is drinking enough fluids and urinating.
4. For skin rashes: If the rash is itchy, you can apply an ointment like Calamine lotion.
When to see a doctor immediately:
Although this disease is usually not dangerous, complications can occur very rarely. If you have any of the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) .
- If the child is having difficulty drinking fluids and is showing signs of dehydration (not urinating for more than 6-8 hours, dry mouth and lips, no tears when crying, sunken eyes).
- If the high fever persists despite giving fever-reducing medicine.
- If the child is unusually sleepy or confused.
- If you experience symptoms such as severe headache, neck stiffness, and fits , these may be signs of a more serious condition such as encephalitis or meningitis.
Although these are very rare, it is important to be aware of them.
Take-Home Message
- Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common, usually harmless viral infection among young children.
- This is not "animal skin." Don't be afraid of it.
- Treatment is to provide comfort to the child. It is important to give paracetamol for fever and pain, cold, soft foods for mouth sores, and adequate fluids.
- Hand washing and hygiene are the best ways to prevent the spread of this disease.
- Be aware of warning signs like dehydration, high fever, and stiff neck. If you notice any of these, see a doctor immediately.
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