Hand Foot Mouth - or reaction to antibiotics?

So DS is on antibiotics for a bad ear infection (DD too, two public holiday trips to the doctors had to be paid for :-() - he has been grumpy and a bit more tired than usual but otherwise ok since going on the AB's - yesterday I think he had a slight temp. So earlier today I noticed a couple of spots by the side of his mouth (along a dribble line) and then as putting him to bed (during a mega tantrum) I noticed he has some spots on his hands (both sides) they don't look quite like blisters. He has had HFM before.

We are going to have another look in the morning and if they look suspicious DH will take day off and take him to docs.

Any thoughts?

I have had spot type and ulcer reactions to AB's in the past, for years it was thought to be a penicillin allergy, but isn't was something else in the syrup. (I got penicillin allergy removed from my record as is limiting in terms of AB's you can take) - so I suppose that is what makes me wonder if could be a reaction to the AB's.

How can a doctor actually tell if is HFM?

From memory, you can only get hand foot and mouth once. Your maternal instinct is probably right - perhaps a reaction to the antibiotics?

There are different strands of hfm so you can get it more than once, poor ds actually got it twice. Much more mild the second time.

Our doctor couldn't tell initially it was hfm as we were too early for the classic blisters, it just looked like random little pin *****s at first.

I'd keep an eye on him and perhaps see the doctor in the morning to investigate possible ab reaction if it's in the family. Just to be safe.

The doctor should be able to take swabs to test for viruses/bacteria - it'll take a few days to get an answer, so not an immediate help, but it might help to get a definitive answer.

Fairly sure is HFM, the spots by mouth look more like blisters and he has been up half the night complaining his feet itch/hurt and looks like a few spots coming up there. I don't think AB's reaction would only appear in those spots. I will get DH to take him to docs this morning as I am at work, have never been offered swabs before for HFM.

Oh poor little guy. Hope they're both on the mend fast and the doc has some answers.

And hope work isn't too painful on what sounds like minimal sleep. xo

Awww poor little man, hfm is not fun, for anyone. I hope he gets better quickly for you.

We've got it too, 2nd time in a few months. Way worse this time, she didn't get a fever or mouth problems last time, now she is not eating, sooooo frustrating.

How is you little man today?

I wonder how long this will last, no fever last night at least. Hopefully once the blisters show up it is on the way out, I only saw foot blisters today although she has had a mouth and bum rash for a few days ( I thought it was teething)

He is just grumpy and moaning his feet hurt. His appetite was fine yesterday, DH has taken to the docs so they should confirm it - if it isn't HFM he will probably be fine to go to daycare tomorrow but I think is HFM, will have to go back again next week as need sign off from docs to go back to childcare. This is my third encounter with it, and the first time they both had it was far worse - he is just older now so capable of being very grumpy when sick whereas before just felt too sick to be cross. I feel sorry for DH being home with him to be honest - his moods are something else!!
Saffy hope your DD feels better soon, I agree with mine once blisters show up they are already on the mend - one of the reasons spreads so much I suppose - you don't know they have it until too late I suspect.