Hand-foot-and-mouth disease can also be transmitted to adults

Pediatrician Dr. Mustafa Alper Aykanat, Pediatrician Dr. Mustafa Alper Aykanat stated that hand-foot-mouth disease, which has been seen quite frequently in children recently, can also be transmitted to adults through droplets and warned.

Hand-foot-mouth disease has recently started to be seen quite frequently in school and kindergarten-age children. Providing information about the disease, which is transmitted by droplets and shows symptoms such as rash and blisters on the skin, Medicana Health Group Doctors Uzm. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Alper Aykanat explained the issues that need to be taken precautions.

“Pay attention to the symptoms of fever, rash on palms, soles, loss of appetite and difficulty swallowing”

Talking about the symptoms of the disease and the issues to be considered, Medicana International Samsun Hospital Pediatrics Specialist Dr. Mustafa Alper Aykanat said, “Fever, sore throat, lesions in the form of blisters on the tongue, gums and inner cheeks, rash on the palms and soles of the feet, restlessness, loss of appetite and difficulty swallowing in infants and young children. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a rash caused by small RNA viruses. It is transmitted by droplets, so it is easy to spread between children at school or daycare. In children with suspected hand-foot-mouth disease, the pediatrician makes the diagnosis by performing a physical examination after receiving the child's information from the family. It is also supported by laboratory tests. There is no specific treatment for hand, foot and mouth disease. Symptoms of this disease usually resolve within 7 to 10 days. Topical oral anesthetics to relieve the pain of mouth sores, various painkillers and antipyretics are used to reduce symptoms. It is important to increase fluid consumption during the disease period and to feed with fiber-rich, probiotic-containing foods for recovery. In addition, the child should be rested during the illness.”

“Hand-foot-mouth disease can also be transmitted to adults”

Pointing out that the disease, which is more common in children, can also be transmitted to adults, Uzm. Dr. Aykanat said, “Hand-foot-mouth disease is contagious. It is transmitted by droplet. Hand-foot-mouth disease usually resolves within 1 week to 10 days by using medication, resting and eating a healthy diet. More severe cases can sometimes cause complications, but this is not common. Drinking plenty of fluids should be the basic principle of nutrition. Since there is a wound in the mouth, hard and spicy bitter foods will irritate the wound, so they should be avoided and fiber foods should be eaten. There is no scarring after the disease. To prevent the disease, a balanced diet, regular sleep and plenty of fluid intake are important as they provide basic immune support. It can be transmitted even to adults. Families should support omega and vitamin D especially in winter. Avoiding packaged foods, which we call junk food, and preventing sleeping in very hot environments are among the important issues.”