Parents are being told to be vigilant as the number of cases of hand foot and mouth disease are soaring, according to health chiefs.
The disease is commonly found in children under the age of ten and is caused by a virus.
The first symptoms are a high temperature, loss of appetite, a cough and a sore throat and mouth. Red spots then appear on the tongue and inside of the mouth in the days after. These can quickly develop into painful ulcers which can make eating and drinking difficult.
Soon after, you may notice a rash to the skin, made up of small red raised spots and typically developing on the fingers and hands and the soles of the feet. These may turn to blisters with a greyish centre and can become itchy and uncomfortable.
The disease can be spread through close contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces.
To help prevent the spread ensure you wash your hands and disinfect contaminated surfaces. Avoid allowing your child to share dummies and cups etc and wash clothing and bedding regularly.
Here are some tips to help your child recover:
- Keep them at home until they are feeling better.
- Keep them hydrated and give younger children smaller, more frequent feeds.
- Offer soft foods. This will help if your child is experiencing a sore mouth or throat from the ulcers.
- Give Paracetamol to relieve pain and discomfort related to temperature (always follow the instructions on the box).
Although most cases won’t need medical attention it is important to see a Doctor or Nurse if your child displays the following symptoms:
- Stops drinking or displays any signs of dehydration – dry lips, mouth and eyes, reduced urine output, no tears when crying, sunken soft spot (in babies).
- Has an altered conscious level (unusually tired or unrousable).
- Experiences seizures.
- Is under 3 months and has a temperature of over 38 degrees.
- Is aged 3-6 months with a temperature of 39 degrees and above.
- If the skin becomes very painful, red, swollen, hot to touch or discharges puss.
- If symptoms don’t improve after 7-10 days.
Further information can be found at: beta.nhs.uk/conditions/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease/
