Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease
This is a viral skin infection, commonly occurring in summer.
It is usually mild, lasting less than a week.
Time from exposure to outbreak (incubation period): 3–5 days.
Signs and symptoms
- Your child is often irritable with a sudden onset of fever.
- Red itchy blotches appear on the palms of their hands, soles of feet and in their mouth.
- These develop into watery blisters, which can be quite painful.
- The blisters will peel off as the skin dries out.
Treatment at home
- Consider using paracetamol for pain and fever.
- Use lukewarm water for bathing.
- Offer cool drinks.
- Cold packs or wet packs may soothe the skin.
- Keep home and avoid contact with others until blisters are dry.
- Always wash hands frequently.
