Hand, foot, and mouth disease transmission routes

Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
Updated on September 03, 2024
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Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by an intestinal virus infection, characterized by a rash of scattered maculopapular and vesicular lesions on the hands, feet, mouth, and buttocks. Generally, the prognosis is good. The disease is quite contagious, primarily spreading through the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and close contact. Therefore, during peak seasons of hand, foot, and mouth disease, children should stay at home and avoid crowded places and playing with children who have the disease. The highest incidence of this disease is among children under three years old, so it is essential to pay attention to the prevention and health care of infants. If a child in kindergarten is found to have the disease, they should rest at home and not return to the kindergarten immediately.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
1min 17sec home-news-image

Characteristics of hand, foot, and mouth disease rash

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a rash disease caused by an intestinal virus infection, characterized by scattered maculopapular and vesicular rashes on the hands, feet, buttocks, and other areas. Typically, small vesicles appear on the oral mucosa, or they may already have ruptured into shallow ulcers, primarily located on the tongue, buccal mucosa, palate, and inner lips. Subsequently, rashes appear on the hands and feet, most commonly as maculopapules, which then develop into vesiculopapules about three to seven millimeters in size. The vesicles have a relatively thick covering and are surrounded by reddened skin, predominantly located at the extremities. Sometimes, they may extend to the arms, legs, buttocks, or perineal area. The distribution of the rash is centrifugal, with the number of lesions varying from a few to dozens. Generally, the lesions absorb on their own within two to three days without desquamation, scarring, or pigmentation. The vesicles and ulcers in the mouth mostly heal on their own within a week.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
34sec home-news-image

Does hand, foot and mouth disease hurt?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by an intestinal virus, mainly manifested in children as blisters on the hands, feet, mouth, and buttocks. Some cases may involve fever, while others may have no fever or only mild, low-grade fever. Oral and pharyngeal blisters are quite common, causing oral pain and discomfort. Many children who contract hand, foot, and mouth disease experience a decrease in appetite, which is related to oral and pharyngeal blisters causing pain that affects swallowing and eating.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 3sec home-news-image

Prevention of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common contagious exanthematous disease in pediatrics, caused by a viral infection with a certain epidemic nature. Its main modes of transmission include respiratory, digestive tracts, and close contact. During the epidemic, usually in the summer and autumn seasons, it is recommended that parents avoid taking children to public places. If a suspected case is found, timely isolation should be carried out, and close contacts should be quarantined for 7-10 days. Additionally, it's important to maintain good personal hygiene, such as washing hands before eating and after using the toilet, and to keep indoor ventilation in the home. If a child has been in contact with an infection or a suspected case of hand, foot, and mouth disease, it is crucial to monitor the child for any discomfort and check their temperature regularly. If the child feels unwell, take them to the hospital for treatment promptly.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
1min home-news-image

Hand, foot, and mouth disease transmission routes

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by an intestinal virus infection, characterized by a rash of scattered maculopapular and vesicular lesions on the hands, feet, mouth, and buttocks. Generally, the prognosis is good. The disease is quite contagious, primarily spreading through the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and close contact. Therefore, during peak seasons of hand, foot, and mouth disease, children should stay at home and avoid crowded places and playing with children who have the disease. The highest incidence of this disease is among children under three years old, so it is essential to pay attention to the prevention and health care of infants. If a child in kindergarten is found to have the disease, they should rest at home and not return to the kindergarten immediately.

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home-news-image
Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
43sec home-news-image

How to disinfect hand, foot, and mouth disease?

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.