Discussions

So the doctor just confirmed my suspicions that my toddler has hand, foot and mouth disease but wasn't overly helpful on what to do about it. He said just to keep her out of daycare, give her Tylenol and wait it out. The spots just appeared today and are only on her bum and the soles of her feet so far. Has anyone been through this with their kids? How do I prevent my husband and I from getting it? Should I be keeping socks on her feet and wiping her toys? Are there any home remedies to ease the discomfort? Thanks!

Try to keep socks on hands and feet. I know this is easier said then done. Everyone should wash their hands frequently, floors, toys, remotes, door handles should be thoroughly disinfected.

My kids had this last year, we gave them Tylenol and put calamine lotion on the spots. Our doctor told us that adults don't usually get it the same as kids do, it's more of a cold. We didn't get it so don't know for sure. It lasted for about a week but we didn't have to keep Them out of daycare that long, only a couple days. One thing that we did find out that the doctor didn't tell us is that it can make there finger and toe nails turn black and fall off. Hope that helps and it doesn't last too long!

Hand foot mouth, its incubation period is prior to knowing you have it. It's like firth disease and chicken pox. Most kids just get a bit of a fever and cold like symptoms. I don't think there is any preventive measures you can take other than normal hygiene practices. Toddlers are always cold like. Most day cares don't even exclude as long as child is well enough to attend and participate. As adults, if you "catch" it you might not even be able to tell. You might feel a little cold like and run down. The only glitch to this is if you or your child has been around a pg woman. Sometimes there can be concerns with that. Generally it's not that serious and just one of those childhood illnesses that kids get. Good for you for keeping your little one home from daycare... it's been my experience that many children attend hopped up on Advil to get them through the day and their DC teachers aren't even told!! Good luck.. while it's unpleasant this is likely not the only time you will see this until your child is into school.

I have 4 kids and have been through this on deprecate occasions. My suggestion is take it easy on the Tylenol and let the fever do its job. Coconut oil on the itchy spots helps to clear it up fast. Also put oatmeal in a sock and tie it shut then throw it in a warm bath with your child. Works like a charm.