How to disinfect hand, foot, and mouth disease?

Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

Updated on September 03, 2024

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Hand, foot, and mouth disease is an acute infectious disease caused by a viral infection. It mainly spreads through the respiratory tract, digestive tract, and close contact. Being in contact with a carrier or a child with the disease can result in transmission. It is important to properly handle the infected child's feces and other excretions. Clothes can be soaked in a 3% bleach solution and exposed to sunlight. Keep the room well-ventilated. Other contaminated daily items, such as toys or closely contacted objects like dishware and children's eating utensils, should be disinfected promptly.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

48sec

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How many days does hand, foot and mouth disease have a fever?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by an intestinal virus infection and is characterized by acute fever and vesicles or papules on the hands, feet, mouth, buttocks, and other areas. There are more than 20 types of enteroviruses that cause this disease, with the most common being Enterovirus 71 and Coxsackievirus A16. In typical cases, the fever may last about two to three days, but there are also cases with mild symptoms where no fever appears, or only a low fever occurs, lasting one to two days. In severe cases, the fever may last longer, from three to five days or even more. Therefore, it can only be said that in most cases, the fever in typical cases may last about two to three days.

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Written by Yao Li Qin

Pediatrics

1min 37sec

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Symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by an intestinal virus infection. It primarily manifests as a disseminated rash of maculopapules or vesicular papules on the hands, feet, mouth, and buttocks. The main symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease start with a fever in children, accompanied by a sore throat, reluctance to eat, and some children may have mild cough and runny nose. During a physical examination, small vesicles can be found on the oral mucosa, or they may have already ulcerated into shallow ulcers. Subsequently, rashes appear on the hands and feet, starting as maculopapules and slowly transforming into vesicular papules, about 3 to 7mm in size, with a firm base. The skin of the vesicle is slightly thicker, surrounded by erythema, and the rash is mostly located at the extremities. Sometimes, it can extend to the arms, legs, buttocks, and perineum, showing a centrifugal distribution. The number of rashes is relatively small, typically ranging from a few to several dozen. Most of them resolve on their own in 2 to 3 days without scaling, scarring, or pigmentation. Vesicles or ulcers in the mouth mostly heal within a week. Most cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease have a short duration and mild condition, with generally good prognosis.

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Written by Zhang Cui Xiang

Pediatrics

1min 25sec

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The order of rash development in hand, foot, and mouth disease.

At the initial stage of hand, foot, and mouth disease, children may experience symptoms such as fever, coughing, runny nose, and drooling, which are similar to those of an upper respiratory infection. Some children may also experience nausea and vomiting. Subsequently, oval or spindle-shaped blisters appear on the hands, feet, and even the back. These blisters are surrounded by a red halo, and the fluid inside the blisters is clear. The long axis of the blister aligns with the skin lines. Then, the centers of the blisters turn yellow, become concave, dry out, and begin to peel. Additionally, there are scattered, fairly hard, pale red papules or vesicles at the fingertips, and similar lesions can also appear in the mouth, such as on the lips, tongue, oral mucosa, and gums. However, the oral blisters quickly rupture, forming gray-white spots or a gray-white film surrounded by a red halo. Underneath the gray-white film, punctate or patchy erosive surfaces can be seen. These symptoms are generally quite obvious, and it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly if observed.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

45sec

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Does hand, foot and mouth disease itch?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a condition caused by an intestinal virus, primarily characterized by herpes on the hands, feet, oral cavity, and buttocks. Some affected individuals may experience fever, ranging from low to moderate, while others may have high fever, and still others may not have any fever at all. The herpes is neither painful nor itchy, so there is no need for special treatment or handling of the herpes, just symptomatic treatment and timely fever reduction when necessary. For common cases, it is appropriate to orally administer some antiviral medications, and at the same time, take some traditional Chinese medicine that clears heat and detoxifies, while maintaining clean and hygienic skin.

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Written by Yao Li Qin

Pediatrics

1min 11sec

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What should I do about hand, foot, and mouth disease?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common exanthematous infectious disease in children caused by enterovirus infections. Most cases are mild to moderate and can be treated at home with oral medication. Doctors generally prescribe antiviral medications, and if the child's temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees Celsius, antipyretic medications are also required. If there is discomfort in the throat, some medications can be sprayed to relieve local discomfort. For severe cases, such as those caused by EV71 virus infection, it is crucial to be vigilant. This type of infection can lead to symptoms involving the nervous system and may rapidly progress to severe conditions. Therefore, if it is confirmed that the hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by EV71 infection and the child's condition is serious, hospitalization should be promptly sought. Additionally, for children under three years old, it's important to actively vaccinate against hand, foot, and mouth disease to prevent illness caused by EV71 virus infection.