We all know that our kids are going to contract a range of illnesses that are going to make us panic, especially when they are small. It does not help when some of them have alarming names, such as hand, foot, and mouth disease. The truth of the matter is that hand, foot, and mouth disease is a very common illness in children, with a major outbreak seen last Autumn, and that it should go away relatively quickly. The best way to handle it is by understanding what you are dealing with, so here are the most important things that you need to know.
What Is Hand, Foot, And Mouth Disease?
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral infection that can be very contagious. However, it is important to remember that it is mild and that the symptoms tend to be relatively minor. With that being said, the symptoms will cause discomfort to your child, but they tend to last for a few days.
What Are The Symptoms?
The first symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease that you will notice in a child that is suffering from hand, foot, and mouth disease are similar to those of colds or flu. Typically, you will notice that they have a high temperature and complain of a sore throat. They may also be reluctant to eat anything. Subsequently, the tell-tale sign that this is hand, foot, and mouth disease is that they will develop mouth ulcers. These ulcers can also appear on their tongue, and if they are painful, your child will find it hard to drink and eat. Other symptoms include a rash that appears on their hands, fingers, and feet. You may also notice them on your child’s groin or buttocks. The rash typically appears as red spots, which will be raised and small. These may be sore.
What Should I Do If My Child Has Hand, Foot, And Mouth Disease?
While your first instinct may be to look at what medications you can give your child to cure the issue, the only thing that is going to get rid of it is waiting for the condition to pass. This is not always the easiest thing for a parent to hear, but there are plenty of things that you can do to ensure that your child is as comfortable as possible during this uncomfortable time. For example, it is very important that you make sure that they are drinking enough fluids to avoid dehydration. You will also need to keep their temperature down, so think about giving them paracetamol or ibuprofen and keep them cool, especially if they contract the illness during the summer months with rising temperatures. Soft foods are a good idea if your child has mouth ulcers that make eating difficult.
While there are treatments available for mouth ulcers and sores, you should note that many of them are not suitable for children. You should keep them off school while you wait for the symptoms to subside.
