Widely recognized and often unknown signs of hand-foot-mouth disease

The disease is rather unknown, quite painful, but mostly harmless. Especially in the late summer and fall, children get involved and then initially suffer from fever, loss of appetite and sore throat.

One to two days later, small blisters form on the palms, soles and legs and around the mouth, hence the name of the virus infection. If you notice these symptoms on your child, you should consult a pediatrician. In addition, give the child plenty to drink and not too spicy foods. The disease itself can not be treated, but it usually heals without any problems.

It comes to blisters on the foot, hand and mouth. (Image: groisboeck / fotolia.com)

Since the infectious disease is extremely contagious, the affected child should not come back into contact with other children until it is completely fit and the vesicles have dried. This should not take more than five to seven days, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).

Caution is advised in newborns: here the disease can be more severe. Diseased siblings should therefore be kept away from the baby. Even pregnant women should be careful. Because an infection just before birth could be transferred to the newborn.

The viruses are transmitted via body fluids such as nasal secretions, saliva and the fluid in the blisters, but also via stool. According to the RKI, the most common transmission path is the hands. Regular thorough hand washing with soap thus protects against infection.