Hand foot and mouth disease is a contagious infection caused by virus. It is often seen in young children and is marked by the presence of mouth sores and rashes on the feet and hands. It is caused by coxsackie virus. It is necessary for the children to follow good hygiene to prevent getting this infection.
Symptoms :
Mouth sores, sore throat, painful blisters on the oral cavity, fatigue, rash on the palms and feet, loss of appetite and fever are some of the common signs of this infectious disease. The virus remains on the body of the person for 3-7 days (incubation period) after which the symptoms begin to appear. If there is fever followed by skin rash it can possibly be hand, foot and mouth disease.
Causes :
This disease is caused by coxsakie virus A16. It is categorized under non polio enterovirus group. The child or adult can get this virus while he takes contaminated food. As the infection is contagious, it can spread easily to others through saliva and nasal secretion. Even the fluid like discharge from the blisters can spread the virus to others. When the infected person coughs or sneezes, millions of droplets get expelled which remains in the air for infecting others. There is increased risk for children who are left in day-care centers for getting this infection from other child. Sometimes, the virus remains dormant in the child’s body for weeks together even when the symptoms are not present.
Who Is At Risk ?
Young children in the age group of 5-10 are prone to get hand, foot and mouth disease. Often, these children would stay in day-care centers where he can pick up the infection. Secondly children have less immunity and hence are risky to get this infection.
Diagnoses :
The doctor will look for the symptoms like sore throat, mouth sore and skin rash and start treating the child.
Treatment :
Hand, foot and mouth disease cannot be cured but the symptoms can be treated and prevented. Very often, the signs will disappear within a week of taking medicines. Over the counter drugs like Tylenol, aspirin and Ibuprofen can help in relieving pain and other symptoms. You can also apply oral anesthetic for getting relief from mouth sores. Give the infected child ice-cream or ice pops for reducing the discomfort of sore throat. Give him plenty of liquids to keep him well hydrated. It is good to take soft foods instead of hot and spicy items. Gargle the mouth with salt water to reduce the discomfort caused by sore throat and mouth sores.
Pictures of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease :
Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease
Prevention :
Instruct the child to follow good hygiene practice before eating and after using toilet. Adults can avoid getting the infection by taking preventive measures like wearing rubber gloves while attending the infected child and by repeatedly washing the hands with antiseptic liquid. Do not allow the child to put his hand inside the mouth since it increases the chance of getting infection.