Causes and risk factors
A non polio enterovirus named coxsackievirus is the major causative organism. Oral ingestion and inhalation is the major route of entry of infection. Ingestion of contaminated food or inhalation of the droplets of air spreads the infection. The infection is highly contagious hence it spreads easily.
Clinical presentation:
Symptoms develop a week after the exposure to the virus. Appearance of sores in mouth and red rashes on palms and soles which are painful is the hallmark of the diseases. Red, small eruptions are seen. These eruptions can be filled with discharges (Blisters) Generalized symptoms like fever, loss of appetite, irritability and body ache occurs. The skin eruptions appear 1-2 days after the appearance of fever. The rashes can gradually spread to other areas like buttock.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done of the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and by examination carried out by the doctor. Culture examination of the discharges can be done to confirm the causative organism.
Treatment:
Hand foot and mouth diseases is a self limiting condition where the complaints resolve within a week or 10 days. Simple antipyretics or topical gels for painful oral sores is advised. Proper sanitation and maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene is necessary to prevent the spread of infection.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
