Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious illness named after the appearance of blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth of the patient. It is mainly characterized by mouth pain, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, and the presence of blisters or ulcers on the hands, feet, and mouth. The peak period for hand, foot, and mouth disease occurs between May and July each year.
Differences between hand, foot, and mouth disease and chickenpox
The blisters in hand, foot, and mouth disease are slightly different from those in chickenpox. The blisters in chickenpox are small, translucent vesicles, whereas the blisters in hand, foot, and mouth disease are similar in size but not as translucent. Chickenpox blisters can occur all over the body, mostly on the trunk and less on the limbs. On the other hand, hand, foot, and mouth disease blisters tend to appear on the palms, soles, perianal area, or on the skin around the joints of the limbs.
Preventing the spread of infection
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by an infection from enteroviruses. Currently, there are dozens of enteroviruses that can cause hand, foot, and mouth disease. Coxsackie virus A16 and enterovirus 71 are considered the main culprits for the spread of hand, foot, and mouth disease. The general population is susceptible to enteroviruses that cause hand, foot, and mouth disease.
The source of transmission for hand, foot, and mouth disease is either asymptomatic carriers or patients themselves. Asymptomatic carriers are individuals who are infected with enteroviruses but do not show any symptoms. They are mostly adults. Patients are individuals who are infected with enteroviruses and exhibit certain symptoms, mostly children. When our hands come into contact with the nasal mucus, sputum, saliva, vesicular fluid, feces, etc., of asymptomatic carriers or patients, the virus can enter our mouth through our hands and infect us.
Prevention in daily life
1. Avoid sources of infection
During the peak period of hand, foot, and mouth disease (May to July), try to avoid staying in crowded places with poor ventilation. Pay attention to avoiding contact between children and patients with hand, foot, and mouth disease.
2. Maintain hygiene
Parents must cultivate the habit of frequent handwashing in children. Thoroughly and effectively cleaning hands can help reduce the spread of the disease. Change the child's underwear and beddings regularly and dry them in the sun after washing. Utensils or toys that children frequently use should also be regularly disinfected.
Notes
The highest proportion of individuals affected by hand, foot, and mouth disease is children under 5 years old. However, adults can also be affected. Since hand, foot, and mouth disease can recur, even if a child has recovered from the disease, parents should continue to take preventive measures.
