hand foot and mouth...

[~Lashes~]

ok,, ive spent the last day being told that DS1(5) has the chicken pox, i noticed yesterday that he had spots on his feet that went up his legs. this morning they looked like red angry blisters, were also on his arms and fingers. DD(11months) has now got it to, started on her chest and spread to her face and down her arms.

the doctor has told me it is hand foot and mouth, he probably picked it up somewere in the last week, and its not as bad as chicken pox. she said he could have picked it up anywere up to a week ago, and its likely he has passed it on to dd. the only places we have been is the shops.
i should be relived right? that my kids are ok, theyve just picked up a "common childhood bug"? as the doc put it,
im not relived, i feel yuck and dirty, it sounds realy nasty. is there anything i can do to make the spots go away? DS2 dosent seem to have it, but is on the look out for "itchy witchy spots" as DS1 is calling them, he also just wants them gone...

[Floweryfields]

It does sound very yucky, be rest assured that it's not a reflection on you or your hygeine - I think they need to give it a different name. It's something as simple as touching the handle of a shopping trolley that another child with it has touched or dribbled on. It is also infectious before any blisters appear and sometimes they don't get blisters on the hands at all.

[RhiChiChi]

It does sound very yucky, be rest assured that it's not a reflection on you or your hygeine - I think they need to give it a different name. It's something as simple as touching the handle of a shopping trolley that another child with it has touched or dribbled on. It is also infectious before any blisters appear and sometimes they don't get blisters on the hands at all.

ausgirl is right - it's like catching a cold from touching something that someone else has touched who has the 'germ'. I have also heard it is very common to get it from the travelators at shopping centres....

I don't think there is anything to do to make it clear up faster - it just takes time. Not sure if you can put calomine (sp?) on it.... checking Dr Google....

This is what I found... ' How is it spread?

•Hand, foot and mouth disease is usually spread by person-to-person contact. The virus is spread from the faeces of an infected person to the mouth of the next person by contaminated hands. It is also spread by secretions from the mouth or respiratory system, and by direct contact with the fluid from blisters.
•It usually takes between three and five days after contact with an infected person before blisters appear. The virus can remain in faeces for several weeks.

Who is at risk?

•The viruses that cause hand, foot and mouth disease are common and adults including pregnant women are often exposed to them without symptoms. There is no clear evidence of risk to unborn babies from hand, foot and mouth disease. However, infected mothers can pass the infection onto newborn babies who rarely can have severe disease.
•Outbreaks may occur in child care settings.

How can it be prevented?

•Good hygiene is the best protection: wash hands with soap and water after going to the toilet, before eating, after wiping noses, and after changing nappies or soiled clothing.
•Avoid sharing cups, eating utensils, items of personal hygiene (for example: towels, washers and toothbrushes), and clothing (especially shoes and socks).
•Thoroughly wash any soiled clothing.
•Ensure the mouth and nose are covered when coughing and sneezing.Wipe the nose and mouth with tissues, dispose of used tissues and then wash your hands.

How is it diagnosed?
The doctor can diagnose hand, foot and mouth disease based on the symptoms. Laboratory tests are not usually necessary.

How is it treated?
Usually no treatment is needed. Paracetamol will relieve fever and discomfort. Do not give children aspirin. If the headache is severe, or if fever persists, consult a doctor.'

[Trillian]

Unfortunately it's one of those things where you can't really treat it, just make them comfortable till it passes. My lot had it a few months ago and poor DS1 couldn't eat for nearly a week it was that bad. I also gave them tubs of warm salt water to soak their feet in to ease the itching as well.