Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

If you’ve ever heard someone say their child has hand, foot and mouth disease you’ve probably wondered what they were talking about. It sounds absolutely dreadful, doesn’t it? People often mistake the condition that afflicts children with a disease that is found in cattle. They are not the same and the condition that affects children is not caused by animals.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by a virus. Symptoms may vary but usually include sores on the tongue, small reddish blisters that form a rash type pattern, fever, headache, muscle aches and nausea. Although the condition is usually not serious, it can cause the child moderate discomfort. The infection usually runs its course within seven to ten days.

Though not a serious illness, hand foot and mouth disease is contagious. Infection can be spread from person to person through nasal discharge, leaking fluid from the blisters or by contact with the stool of an infected person. Hand, foot and mouth disease is usually found in children but it may occur in adults as well. It is usually diagnosed by inspection of the rash and sores during the physician’s initial examination and can be confirmed by a throat culture and stool specimen. Treatment consists of treating the symptoms that are present such as pain and fever. Basically, the condition must run its course.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is fairly common in schools and childcare settings. The condition is usually preventable through the use of proper hygiene. Children should be taught to wash their hands after using the bathroom and blowing the nose. They should also be taught to wash their hands before eating. Parents should warn children against putting toys and other objects in their mouths.

Adults must also remember to wash their hands after changing diapers. If your child has come in contact with hand, foot and mouth disease follow the doctor’s instructions and make sure your child gets rest and plenty of fluids. Thoroughly wash and disinfect all contaminated items and wash your hands afterward.