Canton Center Pediatrics with Dr. Baqir Malik can manage your child’s hand, foot, and mouth disease in Canton, MI. Before visiting us, though, it’s a good idea to know what you’re getting into with this disease. Doing so can ensure you get great care.

What Symptoms Does It Cause? 

Children who develop this disease will have symptoms lasting 7-10 days. These are often relatively mild but can become more devastating if left unmanaged. Just a few things to watch your child for if you think that they might have been exposed to it include:

• A heavy fever that might come and go as the disease spreads and worsens 
• Sore throats that spike in intensity when they try swallowing food or water 
• Seriously painful mouth sores that might blister and become more intense 
• Rashes on the bottom of the feet and the hands (probably the most visible symptoms)

Most children don’t experience severe complications from this disease. The most common is likely a very intense fever. Call us if your child’s temperature stays high, and we’ll find various ways to help manage this condition and minimize its spread.

How Does It Spread?

HFMD is caused by viruses that can spread rapidly from child to child. Usually, infants and children younger than five are the most at risk, but adults can get this disease, too. Here are a few different ways that HFMD can spread and impact you and others in your home:

• Sneezing, coughing, or talking that spreads droplets of moisture in the air
• Objects and surfaces that might be infected with virus particles after touching
• Fluid bursting from blisters and spreading the virus through the air 
• Fecal matter particles that may spread from a child’s hands

Is It Treatable?

At Canton Center Pediatrics, Dr. Malik can treat hand, foot, and mouth disease in Canton, MI, using various care methods. Usually, most cases go away in a few days and require only over-the-counter pain medications and regular fluid intake. If necessary, we can provide anti-viral medications that may reduce symptoms. Prevent its spread by:

• Teaching your child to wash their hands (and washing your own)
• Avoiding touching delicate areas, like the face
• Cleaning your home regularly, particularly shared items
• Keeping your child at home while they’re infected to avoid infecting others

When Should We Call You?

If you’re concerned about HFMD, call us at Canton Center Pediatrics. Dr. Malik can manage and reduce the severity of hand, foot, and mouth disease symptoms in Canton, MI. Call our offices at (734) 254-1900 or (734) 254-9187 to get started; your child will thank you.