Oral Manifestations of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a contagious illness caused by viruses of the enterovirus family, the most common of which is Coxsackie A16. This virus is found in bodily fluids such as saliva, feces, or mucous membranes, as well as on contaminated objects.
This condition is very common in children under five years of age, although it can occur at any stage of childhood or preadolescence.
1. General Symptoms
Symptoms appear 3 to 7 days after exposure to the virus and include:
- Mild rashes or blisters on:
- Feet
- Hands
- Around the mouth and nose
- Perianal region
- Fever, in some cases high, which may precede or accompany the lesions.
2. Oral Manifestations
During a dental examination, it is important to recognize oral manifestations to aid in diagnosis or alleviate symptoms in pediatric patients.
In the oral cavity, the following are observed:
- Vesicles or ulcers (enanthema) on the oral mucosa, covered by a yellowish pseudomembrane and surrounded by an erythematous halo.
- Commonly affected areas:
- Sides of the tongue
- Gums
- Inner surfaces of the cheeks
- 5 to 10 very painful aphthous ulcers may appear in the throat, accompanied by pharyngeal pain.
3. Treatment
Although there is no specific curative treatment, dental management can relieve oral symptoms with measures such as:
- Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen), especially in cases of sore throat.
- Cold foods, which help soothe discomfort in young children.
- Use of antiseptic mouthwashes to prevent secondary infections and promote rapid healing.
4. Conclusion
Understanding hand, foot, and mouth disease and its manifestations
