A Family Doctor's Tale - HAND MOUTH FOOT DISEASE

DOC I HAVE HAND FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE 

Recently many kindergarten  and nursery school children has contacted the Hand Foot and Mouth Disease through contact with each other. It is important not to go to school when a child contacts the disease because it is very infectious. Also important is the personal hygiene of the child. Cleaning of hands is very important.
 


Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is an infectious disease usually occurring in children which causes ulcers in the mouth and maculopapular rashes(sometimes blisters) on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Because of the locations of the lesions, the illness is thus called Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease( A Simple Guide to Hand Foot and Mouth Disease).


Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is caused by the Coxsackie virus and Enterovirus 71.
Of the 2 viruses the enterovirus is more dangerous with some fatalities in severe cases due to complications involving the heart and nervous system(meningitis).

It is usually a mild illness with the rash healing in 5 to 7 days.


HFMD is usually spread through the direct contact with the nasal discharge, saliva, faeces and fluid from the rash of an infected person. 

Both adults and children can be affected.

Young children below five years are more prone to the infection.


The symptoms usually start after a prodromal peroid of 3 days with: 
1.fever
2.sore throat
3.ulcers in the throat, mouth and tongue
4.rash with vesicles (small blisters-- 3-7 mm) on hands, feet and buttock area.

The rash are typically on the palm side of the hands, the sole side of the feet and very characteristic (maculopapular then vesicle) in appearance.
5.loss of appetite
6.headache and bodyache in the older child or adult


There is no specific cure for an viral infection other than symptomatic relief of symptoms.
Antibiotics is not effective and is not indicated.
Paracetamol can given to treat fever.


Drinking lots of water and fluids is important even though sometimes swallowing may be painful. 
More fluid is required when a fever is present.


Rest and adequate sleep is also important in the child's recovery.


Parents should also be alert to any change in their child's normal behavior, e.g. irritation and sleepiness. 

Should they refuse to eat or drink, have persistent vomiting or drowsiness, parents should bring their child immediately to hospital.



All infected children should be kept away from crowded public places (such as schools, preschools, play groups, markets and public transport). 
All family members should follow good hygiene practices, including frequent hand washing, to limit the spread of the infection.