Este artículo es solo informativo y no reemplaza la consulta médica. Si tienes dudas, contacta a tu pediatra o matrona.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in Babies
Hand, foot and mouth disease is the classic daycare illness. Small blisters on hands, feet, and in the mouth make eating painful — but the disease is usually harmless and over within 7-10 days. It is, however, highly contagious.
Posibles Causas
- 1Coxsackie virus A16 (most common pathogen)
- 2Enterovirus 71 (rarer, can cause more severe illness)
- 3Transmission via droplet infection (coughing, sneezing)
- 4Contact transmission via blister fluid, stool, and saliva
- 5Incubation period 3-6 days, contagious even before symptoms appear
Qué Puedes Hacer
- Pain relief: paracetamol or ibuprofen (age-appropriate dosage)
- Cool, soft food: yoghurt, purée, mild soups — NO acidic or spicy foods
- Plenty to drink: cold drinks, ice cubes to suck (for toddlers)
- Oral gel with numbing effect before meals
- Regular hand washing, disinfect toys
¿Cuándo Consultar al Médico?
- Baby hasn't drunk for over 8 hours (dehydration risk)
- High fever above 39°C for more than 3 days
- Signs of dehydration: little urine, no tears, dry lips
- Neck stiffness, severe headaches, or confusion (extremely rare: meningitis)
- Extensive spread of blisters over the entire body
Notas Según la Edad
Most common in children under 5. Babies under 6 months are rarely affected (maternal antibodies). Daycare age (1-3 years): Most common age group. Adults can catch it but often have milder symptoms. TIP: There's often no reporting requirement in daycare, but inform the facility so other parents are warned.
Preguntas Frecuentes
How long is my child contagious?
Can my child go to daycare?
Can fingernails fall off after the illness?
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Este artículo es solo informativo. No reemplaza el asesoramiento médico individual. Si tienes preocupaciones, contacta a tu pediatra, matrona o llama a urgencias.