Hand-foot-mouth disease and herpangina cause blisters on the back of your child’s throat. Patches that develop on your child’s throat from strep throat could be mistaken for blisters. If your child has ulcers or spots on his throat, consult your doctor.
Identification
Strep throat often produces a fever in excess of 102 degrees Fahrenheit with a sore throat that’s covered with white patches. Swollen glands of the neck occur, as well as a headache, fatigue, abdominal pain and possible vomiting. HFMD and herpangina cause a low-grade fever with flu-like symptoms followed by blisters on the tongue and soft palate of the mouth. HFMD often produces a rash on the palms of your child’s hands and soles of the feet.
Cause
Strep throat is caused by streptococcus bacteria and is spread by the secretions of an infected person’s nose and throat. If someone coughs, sneezes or laughs, the bacteria is airborne and able to contaminate surfaces or be inhaled by anyone near the infected person. HFMD and herpangina are most commonly caused by the coxsackievirus. This virus is most common during the warm climate of summer and early fall and it can spread rapidly through a day-care center because young children are often affected. Contaminated stools from poor hand-washing after bowel movements and diaper changing spreads this virus, as well as airborne droplets from an infected person’s nose and throat.
Treatment
Antibiotics are used to treat strep throat. These antibiotics are typically taken for 10 days and it’s important that your child takes the antibiotics exactly as prescribed and does not finish the medicine earlier than directed by the doctor. Stopping antibiotics early can cause the bacteria to return and develop resistance to future treatments. Antibiotics are ineffective against the coxsackievirus. The blisters on your child’s throat typically disappear within a week, but you can make your child feel comfortable in the meantime with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Encourage your child to drink cold milk products to soothe a sore throat. Feed your child a bland diet of soft foods. Gargling warm saltwater can provide relief for strep throat. Increase your child’s fluid intake to lubricate the throat and prevent hydration.
Prevention
The best way to prevent strep throat, HFMD and herpangina is to encourage frequent hand-washing among all your family members. Hand-washing is especially important after using the restroom, changing diapers and before eating. Stop your child from putting his hands in his mouth since bacteria and viruses can live on unwashed hands after touching a contaminated object. If you know someone outside your home is sick, avoid having this person around your family members. Keep sick children home from school.
