Hand, foot and mouth - I think. Okay not to see the doctor?

[Kalypso]

I think my 17 month old DS has hand, foot and mouth. He's had spots around his bottom, on his legs and under his chin for a day or so, but I put that down to a delayed reaction to his measles vaccination (which was two and a half weeks ago). However, last night he woke up inconsolable, at which point I spotted that he has little blisters in his mouth and on his tongue. Having checked properly, he also has a few spots on the palms of his hands, and a little cluster on the sole of one foot. The spots are a bit raised and some have faint little whiteheads in them (but they don't look like they could be 'popped' IYSWIM - not that I would of course!). He finally settled last night after some ibuprofen and some cold milk to soothe his mouth.

He's had a bit of a temperature, with a very runny nose. He is drooling constantly, presumably because his mouth is painful. Apart from last night's extreme discomfort, he seems okay this morning, if a bit grumpy. He's eating and drinking almost as normal.

Unless he worsens, I'm not planning taking him to the GP as I know there's not much they can do about it. Does this sound sensible? I'm wondering if I should take him anyway, just to get the diagnosis confirmed.

[ramade]

Call NHS direct if your not sure or visit their website.

[Kalypso]

Thanks. I did take him in the end as the spots got a bit worse. The GP said it's either hand, foot and mouth or Henoch-Schonlein purpura. I rang his nursery and there have been other cases of hand, foot and mouth there, so I think it's a safe bet it's that.

He's a bit croupy with it now as well....sigh, here we go with the steam treatment again.