How to treat hand, foot, and mouth disease in a 5-year-old?

Question

Hello doctor,

My son is 5 years old. He has now entered his schooling and developed mouth sores and small mosquito bites on his bum. He told me a few of his friends had hand, foot, and mouth disease.

So I worry, will he also get the same hand, mouth, and foot disease? He does not have a fever or any other symptoms other than this. What should I do?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious but usually mild disease caused by the Coxsackie virus, affecting children and adults. The usual symptoms are sore throat, fever, and raised skin rashes on the hands and feet. It usually is self-limiting and recovers within seven to ten days unless complicated.

The best option is to maintain hydration, eat soft meals, and control fever. In your case, it appears from your description that your child does not have a fever or sore throat, and the rashes on the bum are mosquito bites.

Hence, your child does not appear to have the disease, and please be on the watch for the appearance of symptoms such as fever, sore throat, etc. If the disease spreads in the school, get a fair idea from the school, and I suggest avoiding school for a week.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.