Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease!

Ok, so it wasn't as easy to come up with a clever title for this one as it was for measles, but it is the second most worried about thing amongst the parents that have taken part in my survey. As with the previous post on measles, I will go over what you need to know about Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease.

What Is Hand, Foot,  And Mouth Disease?

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, (HFMD), causes painful sores on the mouth, hands, feet, and sometimes the but or legs. Usually lasting about a week, HFMD can also occur in adults, although it is more common in children. It is caused by a virus called the enterovirus, and is spread in the air by coughing and sneezing or through infected stool (poop). When you change diapers you can spread the virus if you do not wash your hands afterward or if the child touches the stool and then touches other objects that children play with or put in their mouths.

How Do I Know If My Child Has Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

Tiredness, sore throat, or a low fever often appear before any of the sores that are associated with the disease. A skin rash may also occur before the blisters or sores do. the blisters may burst and crust over. 

 

wikipedia.com

Center for Disease Control

 

 

 

 

What Can I Do?

 

As with all viruses, there is no cure, these sores will go away on their own. You can give Tylenol or Motrin to help with pain or swelling. Also, keep the blisters clean and be sure to wash your hands to prevent it from spreading!