This disease is more frequent in children under 10 years of age, especially those under 5 years of age, who are exposed to contagion as result of the spread of infections that can occur in day care centers, for example. Although it is true that children become immune over time when exposed to the virus and acquire antibodies, it is not impossible for adolescents and adults to contract the disease, says Dr. María Ysabel Acosta, a pediatrician at our clinic.

What is the hand-foot-and-mouth disease?

It is a mild and contagious viral disease characterized by the appearance of sores in the mouth and skin rashes on the hands and feet. Its most common cause is infection with the Coxsackie A16 virus, transmitted mainly by the oral route and contact with the infected person, through: nasal and throat secretions, saliva, fluid from blisters, feces and droplets spread by coughing or sneeze

Some of its symptoms are:

• Fever, sore throat, general ill feeling
• Painful blister-like lesions on the tongue, gums, and inner cheeks
• Skin rashes that are not itchy, in the form of sores, blisters, or a rash on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks
• Irritability and loss of appetite in children

When should I take my child to the doctor?

Usually, this disease can be treated at home, following the instructions of the treating physician. It will be important to keep the child well hydrated and control the fever. We must take you to a health center if:

• Is not drinking enough fluids
• Shows no improvement after 10 days and symptoms are severe
• The child has a weakened immune system
• It is very small, especially if it is less than 6 months

Recommendations to reduce the risk of infection:

• Perform proper hand hygiene, especially after going to the bathroom, changing diapers and before preparing and eating food. Subsequently, disinfect them with alcohol.
• If your baby attends a nursery or kindergarten, require a thorough cleaning and disinfection of common areas and objects with which the baby has contact, including bottles or pacifiers.
• Instill good hygiene habits in your child from an early age, preventing them from putting objects or their hands in their mouths.
• Do not send your child to the nursery or kindergarten until he/she is cured. Similarly at home, extreme care as this disease is highly contagious.
• If your baby is infected, offer soft foods that he/she can eat easily and at room temperature.

Dr. María Ysabel Acosta
Pediatrician at Clínica Ricardo Palma