Question
The child seemed to be afraid of water after taking a bath and didn’t want to wash. After we finished, we noticed that there were more red bumps on their hands and feet than before. What could be the problem?
Answer
Hand, foot, and mouth disease presents with painful vesicles ranging from sesame seed to green bean size in the mouth, throat, soft palate, cheek mucosa, tongue, and gums, surrounded by red halos. They may break down into small ulcers due to pain, often leading to drooling and refusal to eat. Most cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease can recover with good prognosis. It is recommended to wash the child’s face with soap or hand sanitizer before meals and after using the toilet or coming back from outside. Do not let them drink unboiled water or eat cold foods to prevent contact with sick children; if a child is troubled by hand, foot, and mouth disease, parents should take them to the doctor immediately for treatment. Avoid using advertised over-the-counter medications blindly and require appropriate medication. For parents, it is important to closely observe any changes in the child’s symptoms and do everything possible to help them receive timely treatment for the disease.