Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease Rising Sharply In Kolkata
Skin rashes in children are usually a worrying factor for parents, mainly because many diseases manifest themselves through skin rashes at young ages. However, it is crucial to understand how HFMD differs from other rashes to manage and treat the ailment appropriately.
What Is Hand, Foot, And Mouth Disease?
The coxsackievirus primarily causes hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) and is most prevalent in children under five years of age the disease does exist in older children and adults. HFMD is easily transmissible and is spread through direct contact, respiratory route, and contact with contaminated objects.
The signs and symptoms of HFMD usually start with a fever that develops 3-6 days following contact with the virus. Depending on the type of bacteria that triggered the fever in the first place, children may experience a sore throat. Thus, swallowing can be painful. The unique characteristic more prevalent in HFMD cases is the appearance of rashes on the hands, feet, and mouth region.
The rash may begin as raised red areas that may develop into blisters. Oral ulcers may develop on the lips or inside the mouth, including the tongue, gums, and cheek lining, causing discomfort while eating and drinking.
Differentiating HFMD From Other Childhood Rashes
While HFMD has distinct characteristics, other childhood rashes may present similar symptoms, making it essential to understand their differences.
Measles: Measles produces symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis, which are then taken over by the distinctive rash that starts on the head and progresses to the rest of the body. Unlike HFMD, the rash with measles does not develop into blisters and is typically more extensive.
Chickenpox: Chickenpox is accompanied by fever, extreme tiredness, and a rash that forms blisters and becomes itchy with fluid. The chickenpox rash can be all over the body, even on the scalp, trunk, arms, and legs, while HFMD only shows lesions on the hand, foot, and mouth.
Eczema: Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a form of dermatitis that presents as persistent skin inflammation with itching. In general, eczema does not cause fever or mouth sores like HFMD.
Impetigo: Impetigo results in red sores that can break, weep, and form a yellow-brown crust. Impetigo, however, does not cause fever or affect the hands or feet in most cases.
However, a doctor should be consulted if the child has a high fever, the rash is painful, there is less urine production, or the rash worsens or extends.
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