Introduction to Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease:

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral, usually mild and contagious disease that affects children under the age of ten, with 95% of cases occurring in children under five.

In most cases, Fever, mouth sores, and a distinctive rash on the hand, feet, and buttocks are the common symptoms. However, complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, and polio-like paralysis may occur if HFMD is left unattended.

Also, Ignoring this condition puts other children at risk. Your lack of attention and irresponsibility could result in disease outbreaks in daycare centers and schools. Thus, by staying informed, you can prevent and manage this disease effectively. 

Here is our complete parent guide on signs, symptoms, prevention, causes, and treatment of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease:

Signs And Symptoms Of Hand, Foot, And Mouth Disease To Look For:

Onset of the disease, you will observe the following common signs and symptoms:

• Fever 
• Itchiness
• Fussiness 
• Irritability
• Sore Throat
• Loss of appetite
• Painful Swallowing
• Small red spots that convert into ulcers over time
• Extensive rash on legs, hands, feet, and buttocks

Are these symptoms present, requiring immediate medical attention?

Contact Us: Sameena Clinics for expert medical assistance. Your health is our top priority!

Transmission Of Hand, Foot, And Mouth Disease To Your Children:

HFMD is a highly contagious disease. It is usually transmitted from one child to another at places where they commonly interact, such as daycare centers, pre-schools, etc. The primary modes of transmission are:

• Physical Contact Transmission: 

Direct contact with sores or physical interaction with an infected individual might transmit the disease to your child. The virus can persist in rashes and sores till they are fluid-free and thus cause disease. 

• Coughing or Sneezing: 

The disease can be transmitted to your children if they are in the infected environment for a prolonged time. The virus is often present in droplets from the coughing and sneezing of an infected person. 

•  Feco-Oral Route: 

The HFMD virus remains in the feces of an infected child for weeks, even after the sores have healed. Thus, improper hygiene after changing diapers or feces contact can transmit the disease to you or other children. 

• Contaminated Surfaces: 

The virus can sustain its pathology on various surfaces. Therefore, touching the mouth, eyes, or nose after touching contaminated toys, surfaces, or utensils can lead to infection.

• Public Interactions: 

Daycare centers, play areas, parks, and schools are common environments where children come in proximity. Therefore, there is a high risk of disease transmission as other children often hug, hold, and play with common toys.

Protecting Your Children From Hand, Foot, And Mouth Disease:

There is no active treatment for this disease. You can prevent or relieve your child from Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease by adopting the following methods:

• Hygiene Maintenance: 

You should encourage your children to wash their hands regularly, especially after using the bathroom and before meals. Proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of HFMD.

• Avoid Close Contact:

By keeping children with HFMD away from others, particularly in common interactive places like schools and daycare centers, you can prevent the spread of the virus. Teach your children to avoid sharing utensils, towels, and personal items.

• Clean and Disinfect: 

You should regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and toys that may be contaminated with the virus. This includes frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, table tops, bathroom fixtures, etc.

• Avoid Touching Face: 

You should teach your children to avoid touching their face, especially the mouth, nose, and eyes, as this can introduce the virus into the body.

• Stay Informed: 

You must stay informed about outbreaks and follow guidelines provided by health authorities and childcare centers. You can promptly report any symptoms to Sameena Clinics to receive appropriate guidance.

Remember: “Prevention Is Better Than Cure!”

Cause Of Hand, Foot, And Mouth Disease:

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is caused by various enteroviruses, such as Coxsackievirus, which commonly infect the gastrointestinal tract. You can understand the severity of the disease by identifying the specific virus responsible. This approach will lead to a suitable treatment and effective outbreak management. 

Check out our Basic Infection Testing plan that can confirm the presence or absence of Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease for you.

When To Consult A Doctor?

The symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease disappear after ten days usually. If the fever lasts for more than two days and other symptoms persist, You need to consult a doctor at once.

Our General Practitioner Consultations provide thorough evaluations and management of Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease. We offer personalized support and ensure that your child receives the appropriate treatment.

Stages Of Hand, Foot, And Mouth Disease:

• Days 1-2: The Start of the Illness:

There is usually a mild fever at the start. Your child might seem slightly tired, fussy, and less hungry than usual. They may also complain of a sore throat, one of the first noticeable symptoms. During these first couple of days, you might not see anything on their skin yet, but you’ll notice they aren’t feeling well.

• Days 3-5: Things Start to Show:

After the fever and sore throat, usually within two to three days, small red spots start appearing, especially on the tongue, gums, and the insides of the cheeks. These spots can become painful blisters or ulcers, making it challenging for your child to eat or drink anything. Around the same time, a rash will appear on their hands, feet, and sometimes even their buttocks. The rash looks like red spots or small blisters, and while it might be itchy or uncomfortable, it’s not always painful. This stage is usually when the illness peaks, and your child might feel the worst.

• Days 6-7: Starting to Get Better:

By the time you reach day 6 or 7, you’ll likely notice that the blisters on your child’s hands and feet are starting to dry up and heal. The fever usually goes away by this point, and the pain from the mouth sores begins to lessen. Your child might still feel discomfort, especially when eating, but they should start feeling more like themselves again.

• Days 8-10: Recovery:

Your child’s appetite and energy should return as the blisters heal and the rash fades. Most kids recover fully within about 7 to 10 days. To prevent dehydration, it’s essential to keep them hydrated throughout the illness, especially when their mouths are sore.

Conclusion:

Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease is a common illness in young children that, while usually mild, causes significant discomfort. You can effectively manage the disease by understanding its causes, symptoms, and transmission. Moreover, early identification can safeguard other children and even prevent outbreaks. 

While most cases can be managed at home, there is still a rare chance of complications. You must get medical help in case your child’s symptoms are severe. Remember, prevention is key. Following recommended hygiene practices and maintaining a clean environment can significantly reduce the risk of HFMD spreading within your family and community.

FAQs:

How long does Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease last?

The disease usually lasts from seven to ten days in most cases, with rare chances of complications.

How can you prevent Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

You can prevent this disease by maintaining hygiene, washing hands before eating, avoiding face touching, and limiting contact with infected children.

Can adults be affected by Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease?

Yes, in rare cases, adults can be affected by this disease, but children under ten are the most affected.

Can you treat Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease at home?

Yes, you can treat this at home with pain relief medications, hydration, proper rest, and care.

What is the main cause of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?

The transmission of enteroviruses, which affects the gastrointestinal tract, is the main cause of this disease.

Whom should I consult for the treatment of hand, foot, and mouth disease in Sharjah, UAE?

You can consult Sameena Medical Centre; Our experts can effectively diagnose and help avoid serious complications.