Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease
Corpus Christi Caller-Times
Community
staph cases get stronger, more common
Doctors see increase among children in intensive care
Anthony Martinez Beven Caller-Times
Monday, July 10, 2006
What is hand-foot-mouth disease?
Hand-foot-mouth disease is an illness caused by a virus that results in a distinctive rash - small, blister-like bumps in the mouth, and on the hands and feet. The blisters may also appear in the diaper area and on the legs and arms. The lesions in the mouth usually appear on the tongue, the sides of the cheeks, or near the throat.
What causes hand-foot-mouth disease?
Hand-foot-mouth disease is caused by a virus. The most common viruses that cause hand-foot-mouth-disease include the following:
- Coxsackie virus
- other enteroviruses
This disease is very common in children, particularly children under the age of 10. It is seen most often in the summer and fall. The virus is usually spread through fecal-oral contact, although other modes of transmission have been reported. Good hand washing is necessary to help prevent the spread of the disease.
What are the symptoms of hand-foot-mouth disease?
The following are the most common symptoms of hand-foot-mouth disease. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- blister-like bumps in the mouth (on the tongue, the cheeks, and near
the throat and tonsils)
- blister-like bumps on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet;
bumps may also be seen on the arms, legs, and diaper area
- mild fever
How is hand-foot-mouth disease diagnosed?
Hand-foot-mouth disease is usually diagnosed based on a complete history and physical examination of your child. The rash of hand-foot-mouth disease is unique, and usually allows for a diagnosis simply on physical examination.
Treatment for hand-foot-mouth disease:
Specific treatment for hand-foot-mouth disease will be determined by your child's physician based on:
- your child's age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the disease
- your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
The goal of treatment for hand-foot-mouth disease is to help decrease the severity of the symptoms. Since it is a viral infection, antibiotics are ineffective. Treatment may include:
- increased fluid intake to prevent dehydration - provide cool, iced fluids
in small amounts frequently
- acetaminophen for any fever
Proper hand washing is essential in helping to prevent the disease from being spread to other children.
Click here to view the
Online Resources page of this Web.
Contact Information:
Department of Infectious Diseases
Driscoll Children’s Hospital
3533 S. Alameda Street
Corpus Christi, Texas 78411
For consultation, appointments, and assistance: 800 / 700-8846.
Statement of Compliance
Voted Best Place to Work in 2006 and 2007 | Ways to Give | Contact Us
Copyright © Driscoll Children's Hospital 2008
Corpus Christi, Texas
Live website tracking by Visistat
