Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a contagious viral illness that primarily affects children. It is characterized by blisters in the mouth and on the hands and feet.
Symptoms
- Blisters in the mouth on the tongue and inside the cheeks
- Rash or blisters on hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks
- Fever
- Reduced appetite
- Sore throat
- General feeling of being unwell
Causes
- Usually caused by coxsackievirus A16 or enterovirus 71
- Spreads through direct contact with nasal and throat secretions, saliva, blister fluid, or stool of an infected person
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis is based on symptoms and physical examination
- Sometimes laboratory tests are done to identify the virus
Treatment
- There is no specific treatment. The body fights off the virus on its own
- Symptoms can be relieved with pain relievers, fever reducers, and mouth rinses
Self-care tips
- Plenty of rest
- Adequate hydration
- Avoid acidic or spicy foods that can irritate the mouth
- Hand hygiene to prevent spreading
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