What are the common causes of hand, foot and mouth disease in babies?

Hand, foot and mouth disease in babies is usually caused by enterovirus infection, which can be transmitted through saliva, droplets or contact with contaminated objects, and is common in infants and preschoolers. Its onset is closely related to factors such as exposure to viruses, weak immune function, and personal hygiene habits.

1. Viral infection is the main cause

The main pathogens of hand, foot and mouth disease are enteroviruses, including Coxsackievirus A group such as A16 and enterovirus 71 EV71. These viruses enter the baby's body through droplets, saliva, feces or contaminated surfaces. Especially in places such as nurseries or kindergartens, the virus spreads more quickly because children often touch shared toys and do not pay attention to washing hands frequently, which may become direct causes.

2 Weak immunity is the basis for induction

The immune system of infants and young children is not fully developed, so they are more vulnerable to viruses. In addition, some children with poor health or long-term malnutrition are more likely to be infected with hand, foot and mouth disease due to low immune function. Paying attention to your baby's daily balanced nutrition, sleep quality and necessary vaccinations can effectively reduce the chance of infection.

3. Environmental pollution and sanitation issues are also key factors

Hand, foot and mouth disease often occurs in summer and autumn, and is closely related to high temperature and humid environment. When children live in poor sanitary conditions, such as toys and milk bottles are not cleaned in time, or when they eat food without washing their hands, the virus can easily spread through the mouth, nose or skin. Whether at home or in collective places, we must strengthen the attention to cleanliness and hygiene and do a good job in blocking the spread of the virus.

4 Group activities can easily lead to transmission

Hand, foot and mouth disease is contagious to a certain extent. If the baby has been in contact with a group of potential patients, the risk of infection will increase significantly. This is why collective environments such as nurseries and kindergartens have become high-incidence places. Regular popular health education and avoiding taking children to crowded places during the peak period of the disease are important measures to reduce the spread of the disease.

To reduce the risk of hand, foot and mouth disease, parents need to pay attention to maintaining the baby's personal hygiene, develop the habit of washing hands before and after meals, regularly clean toys and bottles, and avoid letting children come into contact with obvious patients. If the baby is found to have similar symptoms, such as herpes on the hands, feet, and mouth, it is necessary to seek medical treatment as soon as possible to avoid the disease from worsening and causing serious consequences.