Have you found random blisters on your child's skin? These blisters may be on different areas, such as inside the mouth, on the tongue, and even on your child's hands. Although you're likely understandably concerned and unsure of what's going on, there's a good chance your child has Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. Before providing treatment, it's important to take your child to the pediatrician for a diagnosis.
What Is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is an unfortunate virus that commonly affects young children. Although adults may catch the virus, it's so common in children because it's easily spread from one child to the next. The worst part about the virus is that a healthy child could have it and be a carrier for it before any of the sores develop. Without knowing something is wrong, that child could go to daycare, spend time with family, or even go to a local kiddie gym while unknowingly spreading the virus by touching all kinds of things. If your child goes to daycare or is often around other children, he or she probably caught it from another child who wasn't exhibiting signs of the virus yet.
Understanding the Symptoms of the Virus
Although sores on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth are often a telltale sign of the virus, there are some other symptoms your child might experience. You may notice your little one is much more irritable than usual. If you check your child's temperature, there's a possibility he or she will have a fever because it's a common symptom that children tend to experience when they have this virus.
Is There an Effective Way to Treat Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
The pediatrician may recommend using a fever reducer and providing your little one with cold treats to ease some of the discomfort caused by the sores in the mouth. Freezer pops might be great for your little one. However, in most cases, it's the kind of virus that will go away after a few weeks. The sores will start to form scabs, and then the healing process will begin. If your child is in too much pain, the doctor may offer an anti-inflammatory prescription to relieve some of the discomfort.
You may have never experienced this type of virus before, but it's quite common among children. If you think your child has Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease, take him or her to a pediatric clinic, like Better Family Care, to get a medical diagnosis. If it turns out that your child does have the virus, the best thing you can do for your little one is try to ease some of the discomfort.Share