Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFM) is a contagious disease that can spread from person to person. This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatment. Parents should keep their children home from daycare or school until the fever has gone down and the mouth sores and blisters are completely healed.
Contagious
Hand-foot-mouth disease (HFM) is a highly contagious disease that causes a blister-like rash on the hands, feet, and mouth. It is caused by a virus and can be spread from person to person very quickly, particularly in daycare centers and schools. It can also be transferred from person to person by contact with respiratory secretions or stool. Children often become infected with dirty hands, which can also happen to adults.
Although the hand-foot-mouth disease is highly contagious, there are some precautions that you can take to prevent it. First, you can begin by checking for symptoms. In many cases, hand, foot, and mouth disease will be accompanied by a fever. If you suspect your child has contracted the disease, you should report them to the school or childcare center. Alternatively, you can contact your local public health unit at 1300 066 055.
A doctor can diagnose the disease by examining the blisters and taking a sample. In rare cases, doctors can even test the infection by sending samples to a lab. If you suspect that you or someone you know has contracted the disease, let your doctor know so he can prescribe the appropriate treatment. In the meantime, over-the-counter pain relievers can help to reduce the pain.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hand-foot-mouth disease vary in children and can be challenging to diagnose. The illness is caused by a virus known as the Coxsackie virus. However, a medical professional can diagnose the disease through physical examination and observing the rash. In addition, the doctor may conduct a throat culture and send a stool sample for laboratory testing.
The rash is not itchy and typically appears as a flat or slightly raised red spot. It may also form blisters with a red base. The blister fluid or scabs will contain the virus. The rash will generally last for three to six days. However, if the symptoms persist, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
The infection can be treated with an antacid, liquid antihistamine, and painkiller. Patients should avoid putting any food into their mouths while they are sick. In addition, mouth sores can cause dehydration. Children with hand, foot, and mouth disease symptoms should stay home from school or child care. They should also use a tissue to cover their mouths when they sneeze.
Causes
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral infection that begins with small, red spots on the hands or feet. The sores can develop into blisters and become very painful. In children, the disease usually lasts seven to 10 days. However, if left untreated, the disease can lead to other, more severe complications, including meningitis and heart disease.
A child with this condition should stay home from childcare, daycare, and school until the fever and blisters disappear. They should also not contact other people who have the disease. If you have any concerns, contact your GP or midwife. In addition, hands should be washed regularly, and children should not be left alone with an infected parent.
Any number of viruses can cause hand, foot, and mouth disease, but the most common is coxsackievirus 16, a member of the enterovirus family. Although the infection can affect adults, it is most common in childcare settings. This is because babies and young children need frequent diaper changes and assistance with toileting, so they tend to put their hands in their mouths.
Treatment
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a widespread viral infection that affects young children and people with immune deficiency. It begins with small, red dots that develop into ulcers. They can occur on the sides of the tongue, inside the cheeks, and on the palms and soles of the hands and feet. Infants are often infected with HFM, which usually clears up in seven to 10 days. However, symptoms may be mild or severe, and the child may be bedridden for a day or more.
In severe cases, treatment may require antibiotics. A mild pain-relieving tincture can be used to treat blisters in the mouth. This tincture usually contains lidocaine or chlorhexidine. Herbal remedies can also provide relief from symptoms. It is important to remember that the infection can be accompanied by dehydration. For this reason, it is essential to be aware of the possibility of a bacterial infection. In cases of superinfection, antibiotic treatment may be necessary.
Symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease can spread quickly to other people. The infection can be transmitted through coughs, sneezes, and the fluid produced by blisters. The disease is most contagious during the first five days after the symptoms start. Therefore, keeping children at home until they feel better is essential. After that, they can return to daycare or nursery.