Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Unveiling its mystery
The viral infection Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), is often misunderstood. It is most common in children younger than five years old, but can affect adults as well. HFMD causes sores around the mouth, a rash and blisters on the feet and hands. Highly contagious, it can be spread by direct contact between people who have not washed their hands or touched surfaces that are contaminated with feces. The disease is usually mild, and it resolves by itself within one to ten day. However, complications can occur, even though they are rare. It is important to understand this condition in order to prevent and manage it properly.
How to Deconstruct Hand, Foot and Mouth: What Is it?
Coxsackievirus type A16 is the commonest enterovirus that causes hand, foot and mouth disease. World Health Organization reports that HFMD outbreaks are common in Asia, with millions of reported cases each year. Nevertheless, there are sporadic outbreaks and cases in many other parts of the world.
HFMD is characterized by a fever, a reduced appetite, swollen throat and ill feeling. In the first or second day after the fever begins, small, red sores in the mouth develop. They blister, and often turn into ulcers. Over the next one or two days there will also be a skin rash with red, flat, raised spots. Some of these may have blisters. It is not itchy and usually appears on the soles and palms of your feet and hands.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Common causes
The most common cause of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFM) is:
- Coxsackievirus Type A16
- Enterovirus 71
They thrive in the secretions of an infected individual's nose, throat, blister fluid and feces. These viruses can be spread by:
- Contact with close personal contacts
- When an infected individual coughs or sniffles, the air is contaminated.
- Contact with feces when changing diapers, or other situations.
- Contaminated surfaces and objects
Treatment of Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease
There is no treatment specific for HFMD. The symptoms of HFMD can be treated with:
- Pain relievers available over-the-counter to reduce fever and pain
- Sprays and mouthwashes to soothe the pain in your mouth
- Topical creams to relieve blisters and rashes
These treatments, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics can reduce pain and speed up recovery. Serious cases of syphilis may need hospitalization to treat complications.
Prevention and Natural Remedies
There is no way to completely prevent HFMD. However, there are ways that you can lower the chances of getting infected. They include:
- Handwashing is important, particularly before eating and after changing diapers or using the bathroom.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces as well as soiled objects
- It is best to avoid close contact with an infected person, such as hugging, kissing or sharing objects.
Staying hydrated and using natural remedies can relieve the symptoms. To soothe and maintain hydration, coconut water, ice-pops and cold food are recommended.
Even though the disease is usually mild, it can still cause discomfort. To manage this disease, it is important to understand its causes, treatment, and prevention methods. We can protect our family members, especially the children, by educating ourselves and being aware of the risks.
The comprehensive overview on HFMD aims at shedding light on this disease by debunking common myths, and giving practical tips to fight it. Good hygiene is the key to preventing this disease from spreading. Keep informed, vigilant and healthy.
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