Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD)
HFMD is a disease that mostly affects children under the age of 10, although anyone can get infected. As its name suggests, it is viral infection that affects the mouth, the feet, and the hands. Some physicians refer to this illness as the coxsackie virus.
Symptoms
- Fever and sore throat early in the infection
- Ulcers and blisters inside the mouth or on the tongue
- Appearance of rash on hands and feet that can turn into blisters
- Difficulty to swallow
Treatment
Since the infection is viral, there is no treatment for the illness. Additionally, there exists no vaccine to prevent the infection. Anti-inflammatories such as Advil and Panadol can relieve the pain, but do not use aspirin children! Cold treats such as popsicles can soothe the sore throat, and anti-itching cream can help avoid blisters on hands and feet. This virus is very contagious so your child should be kept at home for at least 7 days until doctor approves of him/her coming back to school.