1 year old Dd with foot and mouth- am I over reacting?

[SweetLikeChocolate]

My DD has foot and mouth. Fever, mouth blisters, foot blisters and loss of appetite. Apparently this is a mild disease however I am concerned as I know the complications can be serious. She will not settle to sleep, is very,very upset (even though I have given calpol and neurofen combined). She is coughing and gagging (no vomit) and basically screaming. She is producing a huge amount of saliva. I have managed to get some very diluted formula into her as she will not take milk but I don't want her to be too hungry. She is very upset. Does this sound normal? Surely the painkillers would reduce her discomfort? Any one else had this?

Ours haven't had it but several friends kids have - have you got something from the doctors to clear it up?

If you're concerned you can always call your out of hours number but I know it clears up fairly quickly. I don't know about specific symptoms though I'm afraid.

My DD had it when she was about 18 months, she was very unhappy and a Dr friend recommeded Calpol alternating with Nurofen as it is actually quite painful.

DS had this. He was very ill for about 3 weeks. He had horrible sores in his mouth. Mild illness

It's hand foot and mouth. Foot and mouth is a disease that affects farm animals.

My kids caught it at school and I caught it from them - obviously one of the rare adults who wasn't immune. (I'm one of the 1 in 5 who appear to be resistant to Norovirius, so can't have it all ways!) I had a mouth full of ulcers. It bloody hurt, so to me, it sounds very normal for an infant who can't work out why eating hurts.

My youngest had this when he was 1. He barely ate for 2 days and then only yoghurt or icecream. He was so weepy too, I really felt for him. I think it's mild in that it is rarely life-threatening, but it's a pretty miserable experience. My DH had it once too and he could barely hold a pen or put a foot to the floor.

Hope you LO is better soon.

My dd had this. Not pleasant, but not life threatening. If you are worried call NHS direct.

It is the mouth blisters which restrict food and fluid intake

Avoid acidic juices. My dd had a primary herpes infection (basically very sjmilar mouth blisters) and, practically lived on yoghurts for 4 days. Less painful on the mouth and semi fluid too. If possible use a soft baby spoon.

What about ice cream? Not ideal food for a 1yo but a couple of days won't do any harm and it might make her mouth feel better.

That's really helpful. I think I am confusing mild in terms of category of illness with mild in terms of symptoms as you all describe a rather horrid experience. I gave her an ice lolly which she enjoyed and she is now dancing to the wiggles!!!! Last night was super horrid for her and now she has a stronger rash and soft poo. Let's see how she does this pm.... Thanks for the advice.

DD had this at 7mo and ended up in hospital for three nights. I told the dr I thought it was H,F,M but because her temp was 40 degrees he sent her to hospital, who kept her in until the lab results were back. She was fine after the first day but we were not allowed home until they had the bloods.

When we got home, I developed it and it was awful. I felt terrible and the mouth ulcers were so sore.

As long as they aren't dehydrated and the temp can be controlled its fine (but miserable).