Hand
Foot and Mouth Disease
Hand,
foot, and mouth disease is a viral illness that occurs commonly
in children, although it may be seen in adults as well. Hand,
foot, and mouth disease is contagious so children should be
kept home from school or other group activities during the
first few days of infection.
|
Cause
of hand foot and mouth disease:
Hand,
foot, and mouth disease is caused by a group of viruses called
enteroviruses. The most common enterovirus to cause hand,
foot, and mouth disease is coxsackie virus A16. The virus
is spread from direct person to person contact. Secretions
from the nose and throat as well as feces are the most common
ways of transmitting the infection. In general, hand, foot
and mouth disease is not believed to be spread through airborne
contact. Symptoms usually appear between 3-7 days of exposure.
Symptoms
of hand, foot, and mouth disease:
Hand,
foot, and mouth disease is characterized by blisters of the
hand, foot, and mouth. The blisters can be seen inside of
the mouth on the cheeks, tongue, and gums. A skin rash may
also occur. Blisters may be found on other parts of the body
including the diaper area. Fever is often present and is frequently
the first symptom to appear. Other symptoms include lack of
appetite, malaise, sore throat, cough, occasionally diarrhea,
and other flu-like symptoms.
Treatment
of hand, foot, and mouth disease:
Since
hand, foot, and mouth disease is a virus there is no specific
treatment available. Your doctor may recommend tylenol or
motrin to help with the associated fever and pain. A mild
local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, may be prescribed if
blisters are particularly painful. Hand, foot, and mouth disease
will usually run its course within 7-10 days.
Prevention
of hand, foot, and mouth disease:
The
number one way to prevent infection of hand, foot, and mouth
disease or any viral infection is frequent hand washing. Children
should be taught to wash their hands regularly particularly
after using the bathroom and before meals. Caregivers should
be careful to wash their hands after each and every diaper
change. Children should be taught to cover their mouth and
nose when they cough with a tissue if possible to eliminate
the amount of germs on their hands. If a tissue isn't available
teach children to cover their mouth with their upper arm instead
of their hands. Toys and other surfaces children come in contact
with regularly should be cleaned with a disinfectant.
|
