Cause
Hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by a virus called Coxsackie A. It is not acquired from animals and has nothing to do with hoof and mouth disease. It is very contagious amongst groups of children, but it is a relatively mild and harmless infection.
Clinical features
Outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease typically occur in summer and autumn, and mainly affect preschool children. The incubation period is 4-6 days and your child may have a mild fever for a day or two before the typical rash appears. Small mouth ulcers usually appear first, soon after the fever starts, and your child may complain of a sore mouth, or simply go off his food and refuse fluids. Small blisters appear on the hands and feet, usually on the palms and soles. Tiny red spots may appear on the buttocks, but these usually do not form blisters. The rash usually clears up after 7-10 days.
Treatment
Treatment is symptomatic, and the intake of fluids should be encouraged to avoid dehydration. This may be difficult, as your child’s mouth may be sore. Try ice blocks made from cordial and water, icy poles, or jelly. It is best to stick to soft foods for several days and avoid tangy foods such as tomatoes, lemons, grapefruits and oranges. Paracetamol should be given to ease discomfort and lower the fever. Hand, foot and mouth disease is not a serious illness, and most children recover quickly without any complications.
• if your child is refusing fluids as well as solids;
• if your child is showing signs of dehydration;
• if your child has a high fever in addition to a rash, or is generally unwell;
• if you suspect that your child has hand, foot and mouth disease, or you are unsure of the cause of the fever and rash.
Prevention
Hand, foot and mouth disease cannot be prevented.
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