Hand, foot, and mouth disease, commonly known as HFMD, is a highly contagious viral illness that affects the mouth, feet, and hands. It is caused by enteroviruses, with Coxsackie A virus being the most common strain. The illness is most common during the warm-season months, especially in late summer and fall.
Symptoms
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is characterized by several symptoms, including fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers (which may be painful and filled with fluid), and red macular rash on the hands and feet. Children may also experience difficulty eating and drinking, poor appetite, and listlessness during the first few days of the illness.
Treatment
There are no specific treatments for hand, foot, and mouth disease. Most cases resolve on their own within a few days to a week. However, symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers such as tylenol or ibuprofen for fever and pain.
Prevention
Preventing hand, foot, and mouth disease involves minimizing contact with an infected person. This can be done by washing hands frequently with soap and water, avoiding sharing utensils or personal items, and keeping children home from daycare or school when they have a fever or open wounds.
Dehydration Risks
Dehydration is a serious concern with hand, foot, and mouth disease because of the painful mouth ulcers. It is important to encourage children to drink plenty of fluids and to seek medical attention if there are two or more episodes of dry mouth, lack of tears when crying, or a decrease in urine output over 24 hours.
##Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious illness that can cause discomfort and pain to children. While most cases are self-limiting, it is important to minimize contact with infected individuals and to seek medical attention if signs of dehydration develop.
Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)
- Kids Plus: Information for Parents on Hand, foot, and mouth disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common childhood illness caused by enteroviruses, with Coxsackie A virus being the most common strain. It is most common during the warm-season months, and symptoms include fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, and red macular rash on the hands and feet. While most cases resolve on their own, there are ways to manage symptoms and minimize the spread of the illness.预防措施 include washing hands frequently, avoiding share items, and keeping children home when they have a fever or open wounds.
