Is hand, foot, and mouth disease itchy?
Disease description:
The child has recently developed many small blisters on his hands and feet, as well as ulcers in his mouth. He keeps saying it hurts and occasionally scratches his feet saying they itch. Could this be hand, foot, and mouth disease? Is isolation required?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
In general, hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) may cause a sensation of itching, although this symptom is usually not prominent.
HFMD is a contagious disease caused by intestinal viruses and mainly affects infants and young children. Its typical symptoms include fever, oral ulcers, and rashes or blisters on the hands, feet, and buttocks. These rashes or blisters may sometimes cause mild itching, but not all patients experience this sensation. The rash associated with HFMD usually does not cause severe itching; rather, it tends to produce a mild physical discomfort due to skin changes caused by the virus.
If a child experiences significant itching during the course of HFMD, it may indicate a secondary bacterial infection of the blisters. In such cases, parents should pay special attention to the care of the blisters, keeping the affected areas clean and dry to prevent rupture and secondary infection. It is also advisable to seek medical attention promptly, so that doctors can provide appropriate treatment recommendations based on the child's specific condition.
During the illness, it is recommended to provide the child with easily digestible food and avoid spicy, excessively hot, or hard foods to reduce the pain caused by oral ulcers.
