What Is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?

How your pediatricians in Sacramento, CA, can treat hand, foot, and mouth disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common condition caused by viruses, including enterovirus. It is most common in the summer and fall but can be acquired any time of the year. The pediatricians at Timberlake Pediatrics in Sacramento, CA, provide comprehensive children’s medical services, including treatment of hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is highly contagious and can be spread through:

• Respiratory droplets, saliva, or nasal mucus
• Coughing and sneezing
• Close physical contact with an infected person
• Sharing utensils or other items from an infected person
• Touching surfaces with viruses on them including doorknobs, toys, and other items

The signs and symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease can easily be mistaken for other illnesses, which is why it’s important for your child to visit the pediatrician if your child is experiencing:

• A fever
• Sore throat
• Reduced appetite

Red mouth sores are a classic sign of hand, foot, and mouth disease. They can appear as small red spots in the back of the mouth. They can turn into blisters and be very painful. If your child has mouth sores, you may notice:

• Your child not eating or drinking
• Your child drools excessively
• Your child prefers to drink cold drinks

Another common sign of hand, foot, and mouth disease is the appearance of a skin rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease may go away on its own. It’s important to keep your child hydrated and give your child over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers like Children’s Tylenol.

If symptoms continue or get worse, it’s time to see your pediatrician. Professional treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease may include anti-viral medications, and palliative treatments to help your child feel better.

To find out more about hand, foot, and mouth disease, call the pediatricians at Timberlake Pediatrics in Sacramento, CA. You can reach them in the office by calling (916) 688-5040, so call now.