As many of the parents in our vicinity can atest, there has been an increase in the amount of Hand-Foot-and-Mouth disease (HFMD) cases around our hospital.
We’ve had many children in our unit with rashes and with our recent spate of measles outbreak it has been difficult to find the cause of the rash sometimes.
Luckily most viral infections are self-limiting, but parents should educate themselves about the causes of rashes, but more importantly the major complications of measles. Please take a minute to read the WHO advice regarding measles.
More information regarding HFMD can be found here.
The disease is caused by an enterovirus, spread through droplets (coughing, sneezing) or stool.
There is normally a viral phase 3-6 days before the rash.
The rash is characteristically on the hands, feet, inside the mouth and sometimes on the buttocks. Even though I’m not the biggest fan of Wikipedia there are some good pictures here.
There is very little treatment necessary for HFMD. Keep your child comfortable, give Panado/Ponstan or Panado/Nurofen and some cold fluids. Calamine lotion can sometimes help to relieve the itchiness of the rash.
Currently we are more concerned by the measles outbreak, but this is a reminder of other diseases that can present the with some of the same symptoms and signs.