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Many parents associate a skin rash with chickenpox. Meanwhile, this is how a completely different disease can manifest itself. Boston’s disease, because we are talking about it, makes itself felt in summer and autumn. How to recognize Boston midge and distinguish it from chicken pox?
Boston’s disease is referred to as vesicular rash, enteroviral eczema vesicular stomatitis, or simply disease of the feet, hands and mouth. Coxsackie viruses from the enterovirus group are responsible for its development. for colds, angina, diarrhea or pancreatitis.
Boston’s disease most commonly affects children under the age of 10, but can also develop in adults. Although it is spread by airborne droplets, stools can also be a source of infection, for example when a child visits the toilet where they come into contact with faeces and then touches objects that others may put in their mouth. Hence, the key to preventing the spread of infection is high hygiene, frequent washing of hands (after using the toilet, after changing the baby’s diaper), which in the case of children, who are the main reservoir of the virus, is often quite a challenge. 3-6 days pass before the first symptoms of enterovirus infection appear.
Bostonka, is it already?
The most characteristic symptoms of Boston are fatigue, malaise, sore throat and fever. Some children may also experience nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Only after 2-3 days, characteristic changes begin to appear on the skin. The Boston rash appears as salmon-colored spots and papules. They are non-itchy, about 1 cm in diameter, and mainly affect the face and upper half of the chest. The disease itself is a self-limiting disease, symptoms disappear within about 7 days. It does not require treatment, apart from the use of antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Boston disease and chickenpox – differences
Even though the two diseases are confused with each other, it is worth paying attention to the distribution of the rash. They can be distinguished by looking at where the rash started. In Boston’s disease, bubbles appear in the mouth, hands, and feet. In the case of chicken pox, characteristic changes appear on the face, limbs, hands or the scalp. Their shape is round and scabs appear after cracking. Boston rash is characterized by oblong blisters on a red substrate.
Boston Disease – Diagnosis and Treatment
Bostonka should be diagnosed by a doctor after careful examination of the changes on the skin. Theoretically, tests can be ordered, but in most cases they are not necessary.
Boston’s disease is fairly mild and usually does not require specific treatment. However, it is necessary to decontaminate the follicles with antiseptics. When a child has a fever – acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are enough. You can also give him a painkiller when skin lesions in the mouth cause discomfort and make eating and drinking difficult. However, the child should not be treated with antibiotics and steroid preparations. Patients with Boston Disease should get plenty of rest and drink cool drinks, it is also worth stocking up on vitamin A.