Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Children: Look Out for These Symptoms; Dos and don’ts for parents

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is in the headlines these days as cases of tomato flu, touted as another variant of HFMD, are on the rise in India. Hand, foot and mouth disease, which is more common in children under the age of 5, is caused by the Coxsackie virus group and is highly contagious. It can also affect older children and adults. Your children may develop tongue sores, reddish rashes, or raised sores on the palms and sores along with a sore throat and fever. (Also read: Tomato Flu: Know the Most Common Symptoms, Prevention Tips from Experts)

“It usually starts with a fever, loss of appetite, a vague feeling of being unwell (malaise), and a sore throat. Painful mouth sores usually develop a day or two after the fever begins. They begin as small red patches that form blisters and often grow into ulcers. A rash develops over 1-2 days. The rash has flat or raised red spots, sometimes with blisters. The rash usually appears on the palms and soles of the feet; it can also appear on the fingers, knees, elbows, buttocks or genital area,” says Dr. Sidharth Nayyar, Chief Neonatologist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Faridabad.

The viruses can be found in the nasal and throat secretions, bladder fluid, and feces (stool) of an infected person. An infected person can spread the viruses through close personal contact, the air (coughing or sneezing), and contact with feces, contaminated objects, and surfaces. The risk of a person spreading an infection is in the first week of illness. Adults may not develop symptoms. However, they can still be contagious.

TIPS FOR AVOIDING INFECTION

It is important to practice hygiene to prevent spread.

“Proper hygiene includes mandatory hand washing after patient contact, adequate cleanliness during diaper changes is essential. Personal items such as spoons, cups and utensils should not be shared and washed properly. Patients with HFMD should be isolated and undergo standard infection control isolation procedures. Items such as contaminated toys are thoroughly disinfected,” says Dr. Sidharth Nayyar.

TREATMENT FOR HFMD

Because HFMD is a self-limiting disease that is generally mild, if your children contract it, don’t panic. Although there is no specific treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease, some tips can be followed to help relieve symptoms.

– A paracetamol for pain and fever may help.

– Mouthwashes or sprays that numb mouth pain may be prescribed for mouth ulcers.

– Mild HFMD cases require only symptomatic treatment. Treating fever and relieving symptoms, staying hydrated, and resting are important.

– Parents and carers should be educated on hygiene and measures they should take to prevent transmission to other children.

WHEN SHOULD A CHILD BE SET INTO THE HOSPITAL?

• If the child cannot tolerate oral feeding and intravenous fluids are required.

• If the child is clinically very ill or looks toxic.

• If another more serious illness cannot be ruled out.

• If you have a high-grade fever that lasts longer than 48 hours.

• If neurological complications are suspected, e.g. B. increased lethargy, myoclonus, increased somnolence, sensorium changes and/or seizures.

• If cardiac complications (myocarditis) are suspected, e.g. B. low blood pressure, low pulse volume, cardiac arrhythmia, heart murmur, gallop rhythm, displaced peak beat

• When parents are overwhelmed by their child’s illness.

• If there is insufficient family or social support to look after the child at home.

DO’S AND DON’TS FOR PARENTS

• No panic.

• Isolate for at least a week and do not send to school.

• Monitor the child’s fever.

• Make sure you drink enough fluids.

• Avoid oily, spicy foods that aggravate sore throats and sore throats.

• Provide homemade food.

• Ensure disinfection of utensils, proper disposal of diapers and proper laundering of infected clothing.

• Visit your pediatrician regularly.

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