Hand, Foot, & Mouth... YUCK!

I mentioned yesterday that the little dude wasn't feeling too great. Well, as his rash started spreading and he started to scream every time he ate anything my diagnosing skills started to hone in. Fifth disease, chickenpox, measles?! I finally came to the conclusion (with validation from the pediatrician) that he had Hand, Foot, & Mouth disease. It's a stinky little virus (the Coxsackievirus, to be exact) that causes fever, followed by a rash that usually presents as blisters on the palms of hands, soles of feet, and sores in the mouth.

Well, the reason why it took me so long to even know it was that was because he never got the blisters on the hands and feet, but he did get a nasty blistery rash on his bottom. He also has the rash all around his mouth and spread all over his body. Apparently, it commonly presents this way. So my poor love bug literally can't eat anything without screaming in pain because of all the sores in his mouth, and can only tolerate sips of water. My hubby and I were up pretty much all night with him. 

In the end there's no real great treatment for this stupid virus, except tylenol and ibuprofen for the fever and pain. Not to mention lots of snuggling and kisses :* Oh, and in case you're wondering... yes, it's contagious, but most adults have been exposed to it at some point in there life and are already immune. That, or our immune system is strong enough to just fight it off. Hopefully in a few days he'll be on the up and up, and he'll be back to his rambunctious self. 

P.S.

 Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease is not to be confused with "Hoof and Mouth disease" which is seen in cattle and swine.