Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Head Lice

Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Head Lice

With the start of the school term, children spending more time in social settings increases the risk of disease spread. Winters not being harsh allow microorganisms to remain alive, and negligence in hygiene measures raises the risk of transmission. Among the most common conditions during this period are Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease and head lice.

Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Usually seen in children under 5 years old, this disease presents with fever and rashes on the hands and feet and is a viral infection caused by the enterovirus family.

Symptoms

• Fever, loss of appetite, sore throat

• Painful, fluid-filled lesions (herpangina) in the mouth within 2–3 days

• Red spots on the hands and feet, later turning into blisters

• Rarely, rashes on the knees, elbows, hips, or genital area

• Difficulty swallowing and fluid loss in infants due to mouth sores

• Very rarely, complications such as aseptic meningitis or encephalitis

Transmission

• Direct contact with sick individuals

• Nasal–throat secretions, stool, and blister fluids containing viruses

• Fecal–oral route or contact with lesions

• Patients are highly contagious especially during the first week

• Carrier state may continue even after symptoms subside

Treatment and Prevention

• There is no vaccine against the disease

• Pay attention to hand hygiene; hands must be washed after using the toilet

• Clean toys and shared items

• Avoid close contact (kissing, hugging) and sharing plates/glasses with sick individuals

• Medications may be used for fever and pain upon a doctor’s advice

Head Lice

Head lice are a wingless insect species that can live only on the human body and are seen especially in children aged 3–14. They do not pass from pets to humans.

General Characteristics

• They have 6 legs and easily cling to hair

• They lay eggs on the scalp

• They feed by sucking blood from the hair roots

• They die shortly after moving away from human hair

Signs

• Itching and red bumps on the scalp

• A feeling that something is moving on the head

• Seeing lice near the hair roots in white, brown, or gray

• In most children, signs are noticed late; regular checks are important

Ways of Prevention

• Children should be taught not to share personal belongings

• Items such as hats, headbands, combs, pillows should not be shared

• Avoid close contact with people who have lice

• Clean hair care products with hot water or medicated solutions

• Vinegar may help clean dead nits (louse eggs) on the scalp

What to Do When Lice Are Present

• Without panicking, purchase lice shampoo from a pharmacy

• Check the child’s hair without scaring them and without using negative expressions

• Wash hair regularly with lice shampoo and continue periodic checks

• Do not adopt a negative attitude while keeping the child temporarily away from others

Conclusion

School-age children become more susceptible to illnesses in crowded social environments. Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease and head lice can be prevented with hygiene and regular checks. The careful and informed approach of parents is of great importance for children to have a healthy educational process.