Hand-foot-mouth disease

Dear Dr. Jen,

My two year old daughter has hand-foot and mouth disease.  How long does it last?  When will the rashes be gone?

Wilma

Dear Wilma,

Hand-foot-mouth disease is a viral infection transmitted by the coxsackie virus.  It can be caught through respiratory secretions (coughing, sneezing, kissing, sharing utensils) or through the liquid inside the blisters getting on your daughter's skin.

Fever, sore throat, itchy or painful rashes are the usual manifestations.  You can treat it by giving fluids, pain relievers, and antihistamines for the itching. It takes about a week to get better, although if the immune system is good, it can have a shorter and less uncomfortable course.  The rashes should take approximately 4-7 days till they disappear.  Some scabs can remain for a few days more.  Just be sure not to pick on them so it will not scar.  Hope your daughter gets better soon!

Dear Dr. Jen,

I'm allergic to rubber. Will wearing socks on my feet protect me from the rubber in my shoes? What can I do to permanently get rid of this rubber allergy that I have?

Josef

Dear Josef,

Rubber allergy is a difficult thing to avoid.  Rubber is found in almost all things we commonly use.  There are even active components in rubber that cross react with adhesive, leather and dyes. Wearing socks don't really offer that much protection.  Some socks, because of the elastics found on the cloth, can even contribute to the allergy.  Though white cotton socks are safer, sweat still makes the rubber material from the shoes bleed into the socks and unto your skin.

Rubber allergy unfortunately will last your whole lifetime.  There is no way to get rid of it permanently.  However, there are a few tricks to remember so that you will not be bothered by it too much.

First of all, get rid of everything rubber that you normally get in contact with.  Watch straps can be changed to leather or metal.  Leather shoes are now your best friends (unless you want to go around walking in wooden clogs).  Secondly, whenever an allergy starts, treat it as soon as you can so it doesn't escalate into a bigger problem.  Don't be stingy with taking antihistamines or applying anti-itch creams. This will later prevent the lesion from becoming too thick or big to be treated by a regular cortisone cream.  Lastly, always go see your PDS derma when you have these exacerbations.  There may be things you have overlooked and it may not be the same thing as before.

Dr Tan is a fellow of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS). She is affiliated with Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH).  For other information on PDS, check http://www.pds.org.ph/.

If you have any questions or concerns please text, email or call (the Freeman or PSH): 0923 905 2073 or <[email protected]>or (032) 233 8620 or 232 5929. Your inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.