What is Hand Foot disease? What are the symptoms and treatment methods?

What is Hand Foot disease?

Hand-foot disease, or more commonly known as hand-foot-mouth disease, is a highly contagious, rash-like disease that occurs as a result of infection caused by a virus. Symptoms include sores in or around the mouth; It manifests itself as rashes and blisters on the hands, feet, legs or buttocks.

Although it is a disturbing disease, it does not have serious symptoms. While it can occur in any age group, it is more common in children under 10 years of age. Although there is no definitive cure for the disease, some steps can be taken to relieve the symptoms.

What are the causes of Hand Foot and mouth disease?

There are two viruses that usually cause the disease. These are called coxsackievirus A16 and enterovirus 71. A person can contract the virus by coming into contact with someone carrying the disease or by touching an object such as a toy or doorknob that is infected with the virus. The virus tends to spread easily during the summer and autumn.

Hand foot mouth disease;

• Saliva
• Liquid in bubbles
• Feces
• It tends to spread quickly through respiratory droplets sprayed into the air after coughing or sneezing.

What are the symptoms of hand foot disease?

Early symptoms of hand-foot-mouth disease include fever and sore throat. Painful blisters that resemble deep wounds may appear in and around the childs mouth or on the tongue. After the first symptoms appear, rashes may appear on the patients hands, especially the palms and soles of the feet, lasting for 1-2 days. These rashes may even turn into blisters filled with water.

Rashes or sores may also appear on the knees, elbows, and hips. You may see all or just one or two of these symptoms in your child. Loss of appetite, fatigue, restlessness and headache are other symptoms that may be observed. In some children, fingernails and toenails may also fall off.

How is hand-foot disease diagnosed?

The diagnosis of hand, foot and mouth disease can be easily made by the doctor by questioning the patients complaints and examining the wounds and rashes by performing a physical examination. These are usually sufficient for diagnosis, but a throat swab, stool or blood sample may be required for definitive diagnosis.

How is hand-foot disease treated?

Hand-foot disease usually heals spontaneously after 7 to 10 days, even if no treatment is given. There is no drug treatment or vaccine for the disease. Hand and foot disease treatment includes some methods to relieve symptoms.

It is important to use painkillers, antipyretics and other medications recommended by your doctor at the appropriate frequency. It is necessary to avoid using aspirin because it can cause more serious diseases in children.

What is good for hand and foot disease?

Cold foods such as popsicles and soothing foods such as yoghurt can provide relief from hand, foot and mouth disease. Since chewing hard or crunchy foods will be painful, healthy cold summer soups should be preferred. These help ensure that the body gets the nutrients it needs to strengthen the immune system.

It will be useful to apply itching creams and lotions recommended by the doctor to the rashes and blisters at an appropriate frequency. Gently applying coconut oil to redness and blisters can also help speed healing.

What can be done to prevent the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease?

The first 7 days of the disease are the period when transmission is highest. However, the virus continues to spread through oral fluids and feces for days and weeks after symptoms have completely disappeared. The easiest way to prevent the spread of the disease to others is to wash your childs hands and your own hands thoroughly. It is of great importance to wash your hands, especially after blowing the childs nose and changing his diaper.