Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: What You Need to Know
Published on in Health Tip of the Week
Published on in Health Tip of the Week
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common childhood illness that gets its name from the distinctive rash that appears in the mouth and on the hands and feet. Children with hand, foot and mouth disease develop painful, blister-like bumps in these areas. The condition, which is caused by a virus, most often affects infants and children younger than 5 years old, and is most often seen in the summer and fall.
Hand, foot and mouth disease is not the same as foot-and-mouth disease, which affects cattle, sheep and pigs. Humans can't get the same disease that animals get.
Hand, foot and mouth disease is spread through:
Each child will experience symptoms differently. Here are the most common symptoms to look for:
If you suspect your child has hand, foot and mouth disease, make an appointment with your pediatrician. The diagnosis is usually made based on observation of the rash. Your pediatrician will come up with a plan to reduce the severity of the symptoms while the disease runs its course — about seven to 10 days. Because hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by a virus, antibiotics are not effective.
Treatments for hand, foot and mouth disease include:
The best way to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease is by hand washing. Make sure you and your children wash your hands after playing outside, handling garbage and changing diapers.
Contributed by: Patrick S. Pasquariello, MD
Categories: Weekly Health Tips, Childhood Diseases