Hand foot mouth disease is an infection caused by coxsackievirus. The disease is common in children under 5 years old and highly contagious that can also affect adults and usually not serious.  The virus can spread through secretions from nose and throat such as saliva and mucous, fluids from blisters, and feces. Infections are common in the place where kids gathered such as daycare centers, schools, and activity camps. Frequent handwashing and avoiding kids who have the disease may help lower the risk of infection.

Symptoms

Early signs of Hand Foot Mouth disease can be sore throat, fever, and loss of appetite in children which can be misleading for other diseases. For infants and toddlers, there can be an increased fussiness. After a few days, mouth ulcers can be seen on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks. Raised pink or red spots can be seen on hands and feet, and sometimes on thighs and bottom. The spots then become blisters and can be painful.

Treatment

There is no antiviral medicine to cure the disease. The infection usually gets better and clear up within 7-10 days. Symptomatic treatments are usually prescribed such as topical anesthetics for mouth ulcers and paracetamol for pain and fever relieving.

When to see a doctor?

Hand foot mouth disease is usually mild and last for a few days. Visit a doctor if your child is younger than 6 months old, not drinking enough to stay hydrated, has weakened immune system, symptoms do not improve after 10 days, and symptoms becoming more severe.