Vi's mother stated that she initially thought her daughter had canker sores and only applied medication, but her condition did not improve. Doctors at Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7, diagnosed her with hand, foot, and mouth disease showing signs of worsening, and she was transferred to Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM, for treatment.

Doctor Lam Boi Hy, a specialist in Pediatrics, stated that upon admission, Vi was on the third day of the illness, with blisters on her palms and soles, a mild fever, poor appetite, and frequent startling during the night. Some children may develop neurological, cardiovascular, or respiratory complications during the course of the disease. Among these, startled movements are a warning sign of neurological complications. Children may experience tremors in their limbs, unsteady gait, lethargy, or seizures as the disease progresses. If a child exhibits rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, or chest indrawing, prompt medical evaluation is necessary.

During three days of treatment, doctors closely monitored Vi's condition, provided hydration, and cared for her mouth lesions to alleviate pain and improve her eating. After her condition stabilized, she was discharged, and doctors instructed her family on home care and isolation protocols.

Blisters appearing on the hands and feet of children with hand, foot, and mouth disease. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Blisters appearing on the hands and feet of children with hand, foot, and mouth disease. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is primarily diagnosed based on clinical manifestations. Children typically develop mouth ulcers, red rashes, or blisters on their palms and soles, with or without fever.

Doctor Hy noted that most cases are mild and resolve on their own within approximately 7-10 days. If a child exhibits unusual symptoms, suspected complications, or requires a differential diagnosis, doctors may order RT-PCR tests or virus isolation from nasopharyngeal swabs, blister fluid, rectal swabs, or cerebrospinal fluid.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is an infectious illness caused by enteroviruses, with Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71 (EV71) being two common causative agents. Currently, there is no specific treatment for the disease; management primarily involves supportive care, symptom relief, ensuring adequate nutrition, hydration, and monitoring disease progression.

Doctor Hy examining Vi before her discharge. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Hy examining Vi before her discharge. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

To limit transmission, Doctor Hy recommends that parents instruct children to wash their hands frequently with soap, especially after using the restroom and before eating, and to clean toys, utensils, floors, and frequently touched surfaces. In households with an infected child, parents should limit close contact with siblings and avoid sharing personal items.

Infected children should stay home from school and avoid crowded places during the isolation period. Children receiving outpatient treatment should attend follow-up appointments as scheduled.

Parents should take their child to a medical facility if they exhibit unusual startling, frequent vomiting, lethargy, limb tremors, unsteady walking, seizures, rapid breathing, or difficulty breathing. Early detection of these warning signs helps doctors assess the severity of the illness and provide timely intervention.

Phuong Dang

* Patient's name has been changed