On Christmas morning, my toddler suddenly developed a fever and an unusual rash on her bottom. My husband rushed her to the doctor, and I received a text that no parent wants to see: “She has hand, foot, and mouth disease.”
As a pediatrician and a parent of three young children, this was our first encounter with HFMD, a highly contagious virus that can linger for up to two weeks. Its symptoms are not only painful but can also lead to blisters that might even dislodge fingernails. The thought of all three of my children suffering from rashes and blistering was overwhelming.
When my husband returned with our daughter, Lily, I could see the distress written all over her face. Her once bright blue eyes were clouded with discomfort, and her hands were opening and closing as if they were tingling. I wanted nothing more than to comfort her with a hug, but I was paralyzed with fear of catching the virus myself.
Having been engrossed in a series about historical horrors, I couldn’t shake the image of fingernails being pulled off during interrogations. It’s one of the more disturbing aspects of parenthood: while I would maintain my distance from my spouse if she fell ill, with my kids, it’s different. They could be suffering from the bubonic plague, and I still have to hold them close.
Lily approached me gingerly, her feet clearly sore from the rash. She tugged at my pant leg, and I hesitated before scooping her up. This is the reality of caring for a sick child. Even when they’re miserable, the instinct to nurture remains strong, and I found myself praying that I could make it through this ordeal without succumbing to the virus myself.
My husband shared a list of ointments and pain relievers recommended by the doctor. “What is this?” I asked, feeling frustrated. He sighed, “It’s just a virus, and she isn’t even two yet. There’s nothing they can prescribe.” It’s a frustrating reality that, for children under two, parents are often left with little more than Tylenol and Motrin, both of which only provide minimal relief.
I spent the rest of that day running errands, visiting the only pharmacy open on Christmas day, picking up everything from ointments to new bath toys—anything that might have been in Lily’s mouth recently. I felt guilty for shopping on a holiday, yet thankful there was a store available in our small town.
The following nights stretched endlessly as we took turns caring for Lily. Her rashes turned to blisters, and one evening, as I prepared her for a bath, I noticed one of the blisters on her bottom was beginning to peel. I couldn’t believe my eyes when a large flap of skin came off in my hand.
My husband entered the room, confusion etched across his face. “What just happened?” he asked. I shrugged, “It just came off?” Lily stood there, vulnerable and confused, her blonde hair tousled. She grabbed her favorite stuffed animal and waddled off to the tub, tears streaming down her face.
Despite the discomfort, a few days later, I noticed a change. One afternoon, while I was tidying up, I heard Lily laugh for the first time in days. I had been so exhausted from sleepless nights and returning to work that I hadn’t realized she hadn’t smiled in a while. The joy of seeing my children happy is indescribable, and when that light is dimmed, it feels as though something crucial is missing.
I reached for Lily and pulled her close. “Looks like you’re feeling better,” I said, and she responded with a string of gibberish followed by another laugh. That warmth filled me with relief. That night, she slept more soundly than she had in days. Though she would soon lose some fingernails, it was less distressing than I anticipated, as she showed no signs of pain.
Her recovery was gradual, but after hearing her laugh again, I felt a sense of satisfaction wash over me. I realized that even in the face of illness, the love and resilience of a parent can make all the difference.
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Summary
The experience of caring for a child suffering from hand, foot, and mouth disease can be overwhelming for parents. Despite the fear and discomfort, the love shared during the recovery process highlights the resilience of family bonds.