Rashes are normal childhood occurrences and are seldom cause for worry. Infants can develop several kinds of rashes that can appear on every body part. Rashes may be bacterial, fungal or viral. The herpes virus and the coxsackievirus can cause bumps, sores or blisters in and around an infant's mouth; blisters that develop over a purple base might indicate herpes. In babies younger than 1 month, a herpes infection is cause to contact your doctor immediately. Hand, foot and mouth disease, commonly abbreviated HFMD, is a common viral disease in infants and children. Most cases of HFMD can be treated at home. Consult your child's pediatrician if you have any concerns about a rash on your infant.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
The coxsackievirus causes hand, foot and mouth disease which is a common child and infant illness. The illness often begins with a fever, lack of appetite and sore throat. About one to two days after the fever, a rash develops inside the mouth. Small, red spots appear on the gums, tongue and inside surface of the cheeks. The spots begin to blister and sometimes turn into ulcers. Your infant might also develop a skin rash on the palms of her hands, the soles of her feet, her genitalia and buttocks. The skin rash is usually red spots and blisters that do not itch. Hand, foot and mouth disease is not to be confused with the disease that occurs only in animals called hoof-and-mouth disease and which is not caused by the coxsackievirus.
Antibodies and Immunity
Children and infants are more likely to catch the virus since they do not have the antibodies to fight the infection. A child develops immunity to the virus after having the disease, but he can get the disease from a different virus from the same family as the coxsackievirus. The HFMD infection is contagious for the first week your child has the illness. The virus can remain in your child's body for weeks after his symptoms have disappeared. The infection spreads by direct contact with the virus, usually through bodily secretions and handling contaminated items, the Centers for Disease Control note.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors usually recognize HFMD by the appearance of the rash and the age of the child. Lab tests help to identify the specific virus that is causing the infection. Doctors usually instruct parents to allow HFMD to run its course and to treat the child's symptoms. Parents should increase fluid intake if necessary to prevent dehydration and use over-the-counter medications to treat pain and fever, with the approval of your child's doctor. Cold drinks can sooth the pain in your child's mouth. Infants and children should not be given aspirin. Contact your doctor if the illness lingers. Complications are rare, but can include meningitis and other serious conditions.
Prevention
Frequent hand washing, particularly after feedings and diaper changes, can prevent the spread of the HFMD virus. Use hot, soapy water to clean surfaces, toys and other items, then disinfect with a solution of 1 tbsp. of bleach to 4 cups of water, the CDC instructs. Avoid kissing and hugging and refrain from sharing personal items and eating utensils until the infection is gone.
