As the weather transitions, Dr. Rain Sim (Dr. Nurain Sim), a consultant paediatrician at Canadian Specialist Hospital Dubai, has issued a warning about the prevalence of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) among children.
What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)?
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, or HFMD, is a viral infection that manifests as pink spots or bumps that develop into a blistery rash. While the rash primarily appears around the mouth, palms, and soles of the feet, it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the buttocks, particularly in younger children.
The most common cause of HFMD is a virus called Coxsackie, although other enteroviruses can also lead to this condition. HFMD is often associated with herpangina, a condition where a similar rash is localized to the throat.
Children affected by HFMD may experience additional symptoms such as fever, runny nose, and stomach pain. The rash can be painful and, in some cases, itchy.
Managing HFMD
Treatment of HFMD primarily involves managing symptoms. Antipyretics can be used to reduce fever. If children experience throat or mouth pain, numbing or soothing agents found in teething gels or throat sprays can help alleviate discomfort and encourage food and fluid intake, thereby preventing dehydration.
Highly Contagious Nature of HFMD
HFMD is highly infectious, especially during the first week of illness, and can last between 7 to 10 days. For toddlers, the symptoms can persist for up to two weeks.
The disease is transmitted through saliva, respiratory droplets, and stool. Individuals remain infectious as long as they have spots in their throat and can still pass the virus through their stool even after the rash disappears. Older children and adults can also spread HFMD without showing any symptoms.
Preventive Measures
Dr. Sim emphasizes the importance of preventive measures to curb the spread of HFMD. These include:
- Encouraging children to cover their noses and mouths when sneezing or coughing.
- Teaching children to avoid touching their mouths after coming into contact with surfaces.
- Maintaining proper hand hygiene, especially before meals and after using the restroom.
- Regular cleaning of communal areas such as bathrooms to reduce the risk of infection.
With heightened awareness and proactive measures, the spread of HFMD can be minimized, safeguarding the health of children during the changing seasons.
