With the arrival of spring, not only do plants flourish, but so-called volcanic diseases also appear, a group of viral conditions that find fertile ground to trade in the heat and a more active social life. Among them, one of the most common diseases of childhood is becoming well known again these days in nurseries and kindergartens: herpes herpetiformis, commonly known as “mouth-hand-foot disease”.
It is an infection caused by certain enteroviruses that are easily transmitted through saliva, mucus, feces, or fluids from small blisters that usually appear on the skin. Therefore, when temperatures rise and children share toys, glasses and indoor spaces, blood circulation increases. Although it is usually mild, the condition can be annoying and cause some anxiety among mothers and fathers.
“It does not mean that there is an outbreak at this time, what happens is that spring is the time of explosions and you tend to see more cases,” explains pediatrician Pablo Galán, noting that the current situation is far from comparing with the situation recorded after the epidemic, when there was a real explosion of the disease.
Herpetiformis primarily affects young children and is characterized by fever (usually low grade), mouth ulcers, and rashes on the hands, feet, and diaper area. In most cases, the diagnosis is clinical and does not require additional studies. It also does not require specific treatments: antibiotics or antiviral drugs are not prescribed.
“It generally occurs around the age of five and is caused by a highly contagious virus that causes ulcers in the mouth and red spots on the palms of the hands and feet. Although it does not cause serious complications, it is usually very annoying, especially when breastfeeding if many sores appear in the mouth because children drool and do not want to eat,” says the pediatrician, who recommends in these cases “giving them soft foods, such as yogurt and jelly, and keeping them hydrated.”
At home, the first measures are to control fever with usual methods, provide frequent hydration and choose a soft, fresh diet during the few days that the condition persists.
The truth is that “since the virus completes its cycle and disappears, the condition lasts about a week and only requires symptomatic treatment,” Galan says.
“If children feel very uncomfortable, they are usually given some painkillers, paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce the fever, although it is not common for this to lead to a high temperature. To relieve the sores, you can use a gel that is used when cutting teeth and it relieves the discomfort a little,” explains the pediatrician.
In the face of these situations, the biggest challenge is to avoid infection within the breeding population and the garden. Prevention has a basic rule: hygiene. Washing hands, cleaning toys, and avoiding sharing utensils are essential measures. But it is also important not to send sick children to group settings.
Galland sums it up clearly: “Since it is very contagious, it is necessary to wash hands, and prevent children who become ill from going to kindergarten. Because what we see is that since parents today often work outside the home and have no one to turn to, they are sent anyway, and so several cases appear in the same place.”
Although cases usually develop favorably, if there are warning signs – such as dehydration, persistent food refusal, difficulty breathing, or noticeable weakness – it is recommended to consult a family doctor.
In the middle of sudden illness season, paying attention to symptoms and enhancing care can make the difference in stopping the circulation of these common and pesky viruses.
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