The answer to yesterday’s mystery is … Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease! Great job to the following readers: jonathan, Angelita, Rich S, Erin, F, Jen Smith, Tina M, Pat, colleen (with a little c), jcleclerc, lizziebeth730, CB, mic, ColorMaven, Dave, ElleKay, Mom of 3, Maureen, Jessica, BDJ, kelli, Donna Arnold, JP, Theresa, ED Doc.
HFM is a viral illness usually caused by infection with coxsackievirus. It is a common infection in children, and usually comes and goes with no complications. The disease gets its ridiculous name from the three most common places affected by the virus. Besides the hands, feet, and mouth, blisters can form on the genitalia and buttocks. Like other viruses, HFM can cause malaise, irritability, and fever. Because the blisters may be tender, children often are unwilling to eat because of pain with swallowing. Though relatively rare, the coxsackievirus can infect the spinal fluid causing meningitis, or can infect the heart and lungs.
There is no available anti-viral medication for HFM. Children should receive plenty of fluids, and at times may need intravenous hydration if they are unwilling to eat or drink. They can take pain killers for the discomfort associated with the blisters. The disease usually goes away within a few days of the appearance of the rash. Bodily fluids contain the virus and can be contagious, so family members should take care to wash their hands. Hope you enjoyed learning about the most unoriginally-named disease.