October, 2021

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Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral infection that’s common in young children. This illness is mild, but contagious, and can be spread by close contact with people who are infected with it.

There are certain telltale signs of hand, foot, and mouth disease, including sores in the mouth and a skin rash typically found on the hands and feet. Here, we’ll describe these signs in greater detail so that you can recognize them in your child at home. 

Signs of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

As mentioned above, hand, foot, and mouth disease often causes mouth sores and skin rash. The mouth sores associated with this virus are often painful, inflamed, and similar to blisters. These sores can appear on the gums, inside of the cheeks, and the tongue. The rash associated with hand, foot, and mouth disease often appear on the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, and the buttocks in some cases. This rash usually isn’t itchy, but may blister. 

Other symptoms of this disease in children include:

• Irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Sore throat

The first symptom of hand, foot, and mouth disease is often a fever. This is commonly followed by a sore throat and potentially a loss of appetite. Within a day or two of the fever developing, the sores in the mouth or throat may appear. A day or two after the sores appear, a rash may form. 

How to Prevent Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease can most effectively be prevented with frequent hand washing, disinfecting surfaces and toys, avoiding contact with people who are infected, not sharing cups or utensils, and avoiding touching the face. Adults can also carry hand, foot, and mouth disease, even if they don’t experience symptoms of it. So, it’s important for parents to take preventative measures against this virus so that they don’t pass it to their children. 

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is typically minor and resolves within 7 to 10 days. However, if your child is experiencing severe symptoms, symptoms that haven’t resolved within 10 days, or a fever lasting longer than three days, visit Suncoast Urgent Care for prompt medical attention.  

A sore throat is a symptom of many common illnesses. So, if you’re experiencing a sore throat, it can be difficult to tell which sickness you’re coming down with. 

Cold viruses, strep throat, and tonsilitis can all cause a sore throat. While these ailments are all easily treated, understanding the differences between them can help you get the care that you need to make a fast recovery. 

Sore Throat from a Cold

A sore throat is often the first sign that you’re coming down with a cold. A sore throat with a cold will generally go away within the first day or two of getting sick. If you have a cold, you’ll also likely have other symptoms including nasal congestion, a runny nose, headache, sneezing, and mild body aches.  (more…)