Hand, foot and mouth disease is surprisingly common and while a few lucky people won’t show any symptoms, others may have it more severely.
It is not to be mistaken with foot and mouth disease – a condition only found in cattle, sheep and pigs. It is common around autumn time and in children under the age of five.
What causes it?
Hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by the coxsackie A, coxsackie B or entervirus 71 viruses. It spreads via the air through coughing and sneezing and also excretion.
Symptoms to look out for
If your child does catch it, while it is not harmful, it can be unsightly and uncomfortable. Your toddler will likely have it for about a week to ten days. And along with painful blisters in the mouth and a red rash on hands and feet, your youngster will also usually suffer from a sore throat, loss of appetite and fever.
How to treat it?
You won’t need to go to the doctor unless it inhibits your child’s ability to drink fluids or if it doesn’t show signs of getting better. Dehydration is one of the biggest problems of the disease so you need to ensure your little one is getting enough fluids. Your son or daughter will need plenty of rest and an over-the-counter pain reliever to help manage the pain and reduce their fever.
How to stop the spread
While it is primarily a disease that affects children, it can spread to adults and teenagers. Make sure you wash your hands really well after you bring your little one to the toilet or wipe their nose. Wet bed linen should be washed at a high temperature and family members should be extra vigilant when washing their hands. Don’t pop blisters and avoid drinking out of the same cup as your toddler.
If worried about any of your child's symptoms, you should take them to see the doctor.
