my son is 4.5yr old n from yesterday he got small red bumps on his hands,foot,mouthn some parts of body...reason for it ?

Question

Accepted Answer

It sounds like your 4.5-year-old son may have Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), a common viral infection that affects young children. The symptoms of HFMD include small red bumps, blisters, or rashes on the hands, feet, mouth, and sometimes other parts of the body. It is usually caused by the Coxsackie virus and is highly contagious, especially in kids under 5.

Symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease:

1. Small red spots, bumps, or blisters on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and inside the mouth.

2. A mild fever.

3. Sore throat or discomfort when eating due to mouth sores.

4. General irritability or loss of appetite.

What You Can Do:

1. Keep Him Comfortable:

Make sure he drinks plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Offer soft, cool foods to soothe mouth sores (yogurt, ice cream, or smoothies).

Avoid acidic or spicy foods that may irritate the sores.

2. Soothing the Skin:

Apply a calamine lotion or soothing cream on the red bumps to reduce itching and discomfort.

If he is scratching or uncomfortable, you can give a pediatric dose of an antihistamine (like cetirizine or diphenhydramine) to reduce itching, but consult your pediatrician before giving any medication.

3. Pain Relief:

For discomfort or fever, you can give him paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen (for children), following the correct dosage for his age and weight.

4. Maintain Good Hygiene:

Wash his hands frequently to prevent the virus from spreading.

Keep his fingernails short to avoid scratching, which can lead to secondary infections.

When to See a Doctor:

If he has trouble swallowing, high fever, or signs of dehydration (dry mouth, fewer wet diapers, or drowsiness).

If the red bumps or blisters worsen, or if they appear infected (pus, swelling).

HFMD typically resolves on its own within 7-10 days, and most children recover without complications. However, it's always good to confirm the diagnosis with your pediatrician to rule out other causes like allergies or other viral infections.