Thought I will share my recent experience with my three year old who suffered the most severe case of the infection. I am listing out few things to watch out for.
1. Remember its a viral infection so there is no medication or vaccine.
2.It usually lasts for a week to two depending on the severity.
3. Starts as a small boil around mouth and it slowly spreads to hand and foot.
4.Boils can erupt inside the mouth also making the swallowing of food very difficult ( my son thrived on juices and soups for three to four days).
5. Though the doctors say its a very mild viral infection, be prepared for the most scary boils and rashes :((my son had over 60 boils all over .
6. Usually the doctors prescribe a anti histamine like cetirizine and a calamine lotion.
7.Keep applying it every 15 minutes. Only that will soothe the child s itching sensation.
8.Cut the nails to avoid scratching (very important)
9. After the infection starts to subside it leaves scars. New skin starts to develop on the feet.
10. Quarantine the child from other kids at home and don’t send to school at least for 10 to 15 days. (Its extremely infectious)
11. Keep the child hydrated throughout the episode. Juices ,water and soups help.
12. It usually starts with a mild fever.
How to prevent
How much ever we protect and provide hygienic environment to kids they are prone to fall sick .However there are few things we can do to avoid this infection.
1.If the child is exposed to mud immediately give them a nice bath.
2. Keep washing your hands and the child’s with a mild hand wash.
3. If in school you gt to know some other child has/had this infection, request the school management to keep the child away for few days.
Very very important please dont panic seeing the boils. Its dreadful but self limiting.If you are worried it will affect the child.
Take Care.
By
Janani Narasimhamurthy via FaceBook
Photo Courtesy
http://dwarkaparichay.blogspot.in/2013/09/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease.html