Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

What are the Difference between Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease and Stomatitis?

Hand, foot and mouth disease and stomatitis are essentially the same conditions. Stomatitis is the medical term for inflammation of the mouth, while HFMD is the term given to the viral infection that causes the inflammation. In almost all cases, if your doctor diagnoses your child with hand, foot and mouth disease, they’re also likely to diagnose them with stomatitis. The two conditions are often confused with one another because they’re both caused by the same. Stomatitis is not a disease in and of itself, but rather an indication that your child’s immune system is trying to fight off an infection in the mouth. It is most commonly caused by a viral infection, such as HFMD. Stomatitis can also be caused by bacterial and fungal infections, nutritional deficiencies, and certain medications.

HFMD Symptoms in Children

If your child has been diagnosed with hand, foot and mouth disease, they’re likely to experience one or more of the following symptoms: Hand, foot and mouth disease often begins with a fever and general feeling of being unwell. The rash can appear at any time after the onset of general symptoms, ranging from one to six days after infection. The rash is typically red and itchy. It can also be blistery and crusty, especially around the mouth, hands and feet. Fever, general malaise and a rash are the most common symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease in children.

If your child has any of these symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ve contracted the viral infection — it could also be caused by another infection such as strep throat or impetigo. However, if your child has any of these symptoms and has been in close contact with someone who has hand, foot and mouth disease, they may want to see a doctor for preventative treatment.

How Do You Know if Your Child Has Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?

If your child has a high temperature, a rash, and has been in close contact with someone who has hand, foot and mouth disease, they may have contracted the viral infection. The only way to be absolutely sure, however, is to have your child tested for the virus. If you’re unsure whether your child has contracted the virus, they should be treated as if they have. A doctor can test your child’s blood, saliva, or skin lesions to determine whether they’ve contracted the viral infection.

How to Treat Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in Children

Once your child’s doctor has diagnosed them with hand, foot and mouth disease, treatment will be focused on alleviating any accompanying symptoms such as fever and general malaise, and providing comfort for the itching, blistering, and crusting. Hand, foot and mouth disease isn’t life-threatening and is usually self-limiting. Most children who contract the virus won’t need any specific treatment. Instead, their doctor will likely recommend plenty of rest and over-the-counter medications for itching, fever, and general malaise. Hand, foot and mouth disease usually resolves within seven to 10 days. However, in some cases, it can last as long as two weeks. If your child has secondary bacterial infections, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Other Tips to Help Child with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Once your child has contracted hand, foot and mouth disease, the best thing you can do is minimize their contact with other people. The virus is highly contagious and can be easily transmitted through direct contact, coughing and sneezing. Therefore, if your child has hand, foot and mouth disease, it’s important to make sure they’re practising good hygiene by washing their hands frequently, avoiding contact with other people (including family members), and preventing the virus from spreading to other objects in the house.

Conclusion

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common viral infection that primarily affects children. It’s usually harmless and typically resolves within seven to 10 days. However, the virus can be more severe in older individuals or those with compromised immune systems. If your child has been exposed to the virus and begins experiencing symptoms shortly thereafter, you may be worried about when they’re going to get better and how to help them cope with this illness. Fortunately, there are many resources available on hand, foot and mouth disease in children that will answer your questions about this virus.