About the Disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease is an infectious viral disease caused by Coxsackie virus that is most common in children. The disease causes rash on hands and feet and mouth ulcers. The rash can sometimes affect the genital area and thigh.
🔍 Key Characteristics
- Age group: Mainly in children under 10 years
- Transmission: Through cough, sneezing, stool and droplets
- Duration: 7-10 days
- Severity: Mild and self-limiting
Symptoms
Symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease usually appear 3-7 days after contact with the virus:
🌡️ Main Symptoms
- Fever: Temperature 38-39°C
- Sore throat: Pain when swallowing
- Loss of appetite: Refusal to eat
- Weakness: General fatigue
🩹 Characteristic Signs
- Mouth ulcers: Small ulcers on tongue, palate and cheeks
- Hand rash: Red rashes on palms and fingers
- Foot rash: Rashes on soles and toes
- Itching: Mild itching in rash areas
⚠️ Warning
If your child has any of these symptoms, contact a doctor immediately. The disease is usually mild but can sometimes become complicated.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of hand, foot and mouth disease is mainly based on physical examination:
👨⚕️ Medical Examination
- History: Study of disease history
- Physical examination: Examination of rashes and ulcers
- Symptom assessment: Analysis of disease signs
🔬 Laboratory Tests
The following tests may be performed for accurate diagnosis:
- Throat swab: For virus detection
- Stool analysis: Enterovirus determination
- Blood test: Antibody testing
💡 Diagnostic Experience
Pediatric infectious disease specialists easily recognize this disease during physical examination. The characteristic appearance and location of rashes are sufficient for diagnosis.
Treatment
Hand, foot and mouth disease is usually a self-limiting disease and does not require special antiviral treatment:
🏠 Home Treatment
- Rest: Adequate sleep and rest
- Fluids: Plenty of fluids
- Nutrition: Soft and cool foods
- Hygiene: Hand washing and cleanliness
💊 Symptomatic Treatment
- Pain relievers: Paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Anti-itch: Calamine lotion
- Mouth ulcers: Antiseptic solutions
🚫 Prohibited
Do not give aspirin to children. This can cause Reye syndrome. Do not use medications not prescribed by a doctor.
Prevention
To prevent hand, foot and mouth disease, the following measures should be taken:
🧼 Hygiene Measures
- Hand washing: Frequent hand washing with soap and water
- Object cleaning: Cleaning toys and surfaces
- Personal items: Separate use
🏫 Collective Protection
- Sick child isolation: Keep at home until recovery
- School/daycare: Do not send during illness
- Information: Notify other parents
When to See a Doctor
🚨 See a Doctor Immediately
- High fever (above 40°C)
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, little urine)
- Severe headache or neck stiffness
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion
- Fever for more than 3 days
📞 Time to Contact
- When symptoms worsen
- When treatment doesn't help
- When new symptoms appear
- When child's general condition deteriorates
Professional Help for Your Child's Health
If you have questions about hand, foot and mouth disease or other pediatric diseases, contact Dr. Ziyadova.
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