HAND-FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE
What is Hand-foot-and-mouth disease?
It is acute viral illness that causes vesicular (small fluid filled) eruptions involving hands, feet, buttocks, and mouth. Sometimes eruptions may also appear on genitalia.
What causes Hand-foot-and-mouth disease?
Coxsackievirus A type 16 and Enterovirus 71 are main viruses causing this illness.
How it is transmitted?
Infection occurs via fecal-oral route or via direct contact with skin lesions and oral secretions.
What are the symptoms and sign?
After entry of virus symptoms develop after approximately 1 week. Patients report with sore mouth or throat and malaise (weakness).
Initially, there appear macular lesions on oral cavity, tongue or palate. These lesions progress to vesicles on red base and they are tender.
Fever of 38-39oC may be there for 24 to 48 hours.
Any tests needed to diagnose?
It is mainly diagnosed one basis of symptoms and typical lesions on hand, mouth and feet.
What is the treatment?
Mainly it is supportive treatment to ensure adequate hydration by proper fluid intake. Cold liquids are generally preferable. Avoid spicy or acidic food substances.
If there are signs of moderate or severe dehydration due to inadequate intake caused due to painful lesions in mouth than IV fluids may be needed for which hospitalisation is required.
How long does it take for complete recovery?
Improvement is observed after approximately 3 to 5 days.
Lesion of skin and mouth usually takes 7 to 10 days to resolve.
How long can patient infect other healthy individuals?
The patient may continue to shed virus through the stool for weeks even after clinical improvement of symptoms.
What is the prognosis (outcome)?
The prognosis is EXCELLENT and patients recovery completely.
How to prevent disease from spreading?
Wash hands frequently especially after touching the eruptions or cleaning the child after toilet.
Do not let your child to share personal belonging while infected.
When should you consult doctor?
It is important to consult your doctor when there is eruptive fever especially when child is dehydrated or develop some other symptoms which may be indicative of some other illness or complications of disease.
Dr. Zubin S Dehmeri, MD(Hom.)
Email: connect@drzubindehmeri.com
Mob: +91-9819219042.
