REVIEW ARTICLE ON HAND-FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE IN CHILDRENS

Hand-Foot and Mouth disease (HFMD) is very contagious viral infection that causes a blister like rash in children’s hands and feet and painful sores in mouth. The disease most often affects babies and children younger than 5 years old. HFMD typically mild and usually clears up on its own within seven to ten days. It is a common viral illness of infants and children and is extremely uncommon in adults; however, still a possibility. Most adults have strong enough immune systems to defend the virus, but those with immune deficiencies are very susceptible. It is often confused with foot-and-mouth (also called hoof-and-mouth) disease, a disease of cattle, sheep, and swine; however, the two diseases are not related—they are caused by different viruses. The best methods to prevent the spread of hand-foot-and-mouth disease are hand washing and disinfecting potentially contaminated surfaces and fomites. This article aims to presents a brief summary and review of the etiology, clinical features, diagnosis, prog­nosis, and evidence for the care of patients with hand-foot-and-mouth disease.