Hand Foot and Mouth Disease: When to Visit a Pediatrician
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness that mostly affects children under five, especially during school terms and monsoon months. It’s caused by viruses like Coxsackievirus A16 and spreads easily through saliva, nasal secretions, stool, and fluid from blisters.
Early symptoms include fever, sore throat, and irritability, followed by painful mouth sores and a rash on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks. While HFMD usually resolves within 7–10 days, it can cause significant discomfort and sometimes lead to dehydration.
Most cases can be managed at home with rest, hydration, soft foods, and fever relief. However, it’s important to see a pediatrician if your child has a high fever lasting more than three days, refuses to eat or drink, shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, reduced urination), or if the rash spreads rapidly. Rarely, hospital care may be needed for severe dehydration or complications.
Recognising symptoms early and knowing when to seek medical help ensures a smoother recovery and helps prevent the spread of infection.
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https://www.blogs.medicasapp.com/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease/
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