Hand and Foot mouth Infection

Hand-Foot and Mouth disease is a contagious infection which is caused by a virus. It is common in younger children, especially under the age of 5 years. The infection usually lasts for 3-6 days but may take longer.

Also, this infection is more commonly found in child care centres.

Common Symptoms

  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Feeling of being unwell
  • Painful, red, blister-like lesions on the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks
  • A red rash, without itching but sometimes with blistering, on the palms, soles and sometimes the buttocks
  • Irritability in infants and toddlers
  • Loss of appetite

Causes

It is caused by Virus named coxsackievirus.

How to Prevent It

You can teach certain prevention to your child to prevent this infection

  • Wash hand regularly especially after coming from outside, using washrooms etc
  • Teach good hygiene to your kids like how to keep themselves clean and do not put any objects or fingers into their mouth.
  • Keep away from people who are suffering from this infection.