There have been several cases of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease around Metro Manila since August last year. It’s a mild but contagious viral illness. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said HFMD is a common viral illness that usually affects infants and children younger than five years old, though it can also occur in adults. Sadly, my two kids and my nephew have acquired the said illness before 2013 ends.
I have noticed some red dots on my 8-month old baby's palm and toes, thinking they were just insect bites, I didn’t do anything. However, after a week, the redness didn’t fade. So, we consulted her pediatrician, and told us that it could be the HFMD. There were just few (less the ten dots), that’s why she was not able to confirm, was advised to observe if it continues. Fortunately, it didn’t get worse. Pretty sure it was because she’s an exclusively breastfed baby.
After two days, my son had a fever and couldn’t eat. We found out that he got some blister-like sores in the mouth, called “herpangina”. He wasn’t able to take any food or even drink milk. He said it was so painful every time he swallows. He woke up and cried from time to time while sleeping and even jump on the floor while crying because he thought it will lessen the pain. His doctor told me to put xylogel on his tongue, rinse his mouth with cold water and give him ice cream to numb the throat, but to no avail. It was truly heart breaking!
My nephew’s case is different. (see photo on the left side) He had MANY rashes around his mouth, his hands up to his arms and on both feet. It looks really itchy, but he said it was not. Good thing also, that he was still very active and had no change in appetite. He was just advised to stay home until the rashes disappear.
It’s been a month now, blisters and rashes are gone. But the boys are having another issue. Beau's Lines- visible depressions running across the nail bed. According to their doctor, it is still caused by HFMD, The nails will return to normal after the illness has passed and the ridge in the nail will grow out.
It is so horrible to see our children sick. This kind of disease is caused by a virus; it usually runs its course. Antibiotics have no role in the treatment. So better give them vitamins to boost their immune system, and remind them to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly.
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