Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious infection. It is caused by viruses from the Enterovirus genus, most commonly the Coxsackievirus. Coxsackievirus infections occur most often in young children. It causes a blister-like rash that, as the name implies, involves the hands, feet and mouth.
These viruses can spread from person to person through direct contact with unwashed hands or surfaces contaminated with faces. It can also be transmitted through contact with a person’s saliva, stool, or respiratory secretions.
Symptoms of HFMD
Symptoms of fever, poor appetite, runny nose and sore throat can appear three to five days after exposure. A blister-like rash on the hands, feet and in the mouth usually develops one to two days after the initial symptoms.
Food Suggestions during HFMD
Liquid Diet provide relief from HFMD symptoms. These can be in the form of:
- Milkshakes(adding Roohafza or any other flavor)
- Ice Creams
- Juicy, Soft and Sweet Fruits like Watermelon
- Strictly avoid spicy or salty foods
How HFMD can be treated?
There is no specific treatment. Treatment is aimed at fever control and maintaining good oral hydration. However, your doctor may recommend certain treatments to ease symptoms until the disease has run its incubation period. These can include:
- Zytee Gel for Mouth Ulcers
- Syrup Calpol-200 5ml SOS for Fever
- Syrup Atarax 3ml for Itching SOS
- Calosoft-AF Lotion for blisters
Can HFMD can be prevented?
Maintaining good hygiene is the best defence against any disease and so also for HFMD. Children who feel ill or have a fever should be excluded from group settings until the fever is gone and the child feels well. Thorough hand washing and care with diaper changing practices is important as well.
