Hand-foot-mouth disease has recently become very common in school and nursery-age children. Specialist from Medicana Health Group Doctors gave information about the disease that is transmitted through droplets and causes symptoms such as skin rash and blisters. Dr. Mustafa Alper Aykanat explained the issues that need to be taken.
“BEWARE OF THE SYMPTOMS OF FEVER, RASH ON THE PALMS AND SOLES, LOSS OF APPETITE AND DIFFICULTY SWALLOWING”
Child Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. talked about the symptoms of the disease and the points to be taken into consideration. Mustafa Alper Aykanat said, “There are symptoms such as fever, sore throat, blister-shaped lesions on the tongue, gums and inner cheeks, rash on the palms and soles of the feet, restlessness in babies and young children, loss of appetite and difficulty in swallowing. Hand-foot-mouth disease is a rash disease caused by small RNA viruses. The disease is transmitted through droplets, so it is easy to spread among children in school or nursery.
In children with suspected hand-foot-mouth disease, the pediatrician makes the diagnosis by performing a physical examination after obtaining the child’s information from the family. It is also supported by laboratory tests. There is no specific application for the treatment of hand-foot-mouth disease. Symptoms of this disease usually improve within 7 to 10 days. Topical oral anesthetics are used to relieve the pain of mouth sores, and various painkillers and antipyretics are used to reduce symptoms. Increasing fluid consumption and eating fiber-rich, probiotic-containing foods during the disease period are important for recovery. “In addition, the child should be rested during the illness,” he said.
“HAND-FOOT-MOUTH DISEASE CAN ALSO BE INFECTED TO ADULTS”
Specialist points out that the disease, which is more common in children, can also be transmitted to adults. Dr. Aykanat said, “Hand-foot-mouth disease is contagious. It is transmitted through droplets. Hand-foot-mouth disease usually resolves within 1 week to 10 days by using medications, resting and eating healthily. More severe cases can sometimes cause complications, but this is not common. Drinking plenty of fluids should be the basic nutritional principle. Since there is a wound in the mouth, hard and spicy foods should be avoided as they will irritate the wound and fiber foods should be consumed.
There is no scarring after the disease. To prevent the disease, a balanced diet, regular sleep and plenty of fluid intake are important as they are essential immune support. It can also be transmitted to adults. Families should supplement omega and vitamin D, especially during the winter. “Staying away from packaged foods, which we call junk food, and preventing sleeping in very hot environments are also important,” he said.
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