Hand Foot Mouth Disease (HFMD) on 1 year old toddler

Where should I start. That I was covered with Hariz's poop 30 minutes before departure at the airport or Hariz been effected with Hand Foot Mouth Disease (HFMD) ? *sigh*

I've been taking turns with Wan to look after Hariz at home. He's been house arrest for almost 3 days now. It all started when we were on our trip in Kuching last Friday (Deepavali holiday). He seems fine and active as always. He slept the whole trip from Penang to Kuching (a real relief). 

Once arrived at the Kuching, we took a walk at the riverfront. I started to notice red bumps appeared on his bums. I thought it was just nappy rash and he seems fine.

And the day after, more red bumps started to appeared on his arms. But not much. Just a few dots. and again, I thought maybe it's the bed bugs because Hariz slept in the baby cot at the hotel. Again, I never thought of anything serious.

The day we returned to Penang, his foot started to show more red bumps. I started to feel something is not quite right. It's either chicken pox or something else. Suddenly my mind flew to fatih's blog, pikertonic, because I remembered reading her daugther Athirah had this HFMD. but quickly I shook it off. Hoping that it's not it. 

But you know what they said, mother's instinct is always right. Right after we touched down Penang airport, we headed straightaway to Kid's Carer, child specialist, where Hariz has been having his monthly jab. I told the doctor where we have been , and the doc saw Hariz been drooling and the red spots, he knew it was HFMD. He checked his mouth and there, small ulcers started to developed on the throat. 

There's no exact cure or vaccine for this disease, so we were given cream for the bumps, antibiotic for the ulcers and paracetamol just in case he had any fever. 

According to wikipedia, the symptom started with fever and followed with the rashes. As for Hariz, he never had any fever until now. Despite all the ulcers in his throat, he seems to appear, fine. He ate normally, drink normally and well.. sleep more I guess :P

Now I'm not too worry about his condition as the ulcers in his mouth are gone.Only left the scars and some few red spot on his feet. Until then, he has to stay away form the nursery and other kids because it is contagious. That's what been bugging me. 

Wan can't stay at home look after Hariz every day. and I can't take leave for too many days too!

So how exactly Hariz got this HFMD? We have no idea either. Because there's no other kid. Hariz has been in his stroller all the time. It's not airborne. No direct contact. I just don't know. Benda dah nak jadi kan?

As long as he is happy and always bubbly :)