How to diagnose hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common childhood infectious disease, especially in kindergartens and primary schools. To diagnose hand, foot and mouth disease, clinical symptoms and laboratory tests are usually required. Parents can pay attention to whether their children have typical symptoms such as fever, oral ulcers, and small red blisters on the palms and soles. These symptoms are often the initial indications of hand, foot and mouth disease.

In clinical practice, doctors usually make a preliminary diagnosis by observing these symptoms. The herpes of hand, foot and mouth disease is usually unique, appearing as small, round red spots that may develop into blisters. Oral ulcers often appear on the tongue, gums, and inside the mouth. These characteristics can help doctors make a preliminary judgment.

If further confirmation is needed, your doctor may recommend laboratory testing. This usually involves taking a sample from the throat, stool, or blood for a viral test to identify the specific type of virus causing the infection. Common causative viruses include coxsackievirus and enterovirus 71. Although laboratory testing can provide a more accurate diagnosis, in most cases, clinical symptoms are already obvious enough, especially during epidemic seasons.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is usually a self-limiting illness, meaning it clears up on its own after a while. Still, parents should monitor their children's symptoms closely and make sure they get plenty of rest and fluids. If your child has a high fever that won't go away, continues to vomit, or has other serious symptoms, they should see a doctor right away.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is highly contagious, so after diagnosis, parents should take isolation measures to prevent the virus from spreading to other children. Washing hands frequently and disinfecting toys and daily necessities are effective preventive measures. With this information, parents can better cope with the diagnosis and care of hand, foot and mouth disease and protect their children's health.