Canker sores are a common issue that many people experience at some point. Generally, this condition is considered mild, causing irritation and pain, but it usually heals on its own within two weeks without medical treatment.

However, in certain situations, canker sores can indicate a more serious illness. For instance, during an episode of Singapore flu, also known as hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), the canker sores that appear can lead to more severe discomfort, pain, and difficulties with eating and drinking.

What is Singapore Flu?

The term "Singapore flu" isn't a medically recognized term; rather, it refers to hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), a contagious viral infection.

HFMD is marked by a rash, typically in the form of blisters, on the hands and feet, along with painful canker sores in the mouth and tongue.

HFMD most commonly affects infants and children under five years old. While it is generally a mild illness that usually resolves within 7 to 10 days, the symptoms can make children feel uncomfortable, irritable, and unwilling to eat or drink.

Canker Sores as an Early Sign of Singapore Flu

Canker sores are often one of the first symptoms to appear in Singapore flu (HFMD). Typically, they emerge one to two days after the onset of a fever.

Canker sores related to HFMD have several distinguishing features, including:

• They are small, round, or oval-shaped.

• Their diameter ranges from 2 to 5 mm.

• They are surrounded by a red ring with a white or grayish center.

• They appear on the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, or roof of the mouth.

These sores can cause significant pain when eating, drinking, or swallowing, and they often lead to a loss of appetite. For young children or toddlers under five, this discomfort may make them fussy and refuse to eat or drink, which increases the risk of dehydration and can worsen their condition.

Managing Canker Sores in Singapore Flu (HFMD)

Canker sores in HFMD can be extremely painful and disruptive. The pain associated with eating, drinking, or swallowing often leads children to refuse food and fluids, which can further complicate the situation.

Here are some recommended ways to ease the discomfort caused by canker sores in HFMD:

• Offer cold water, cold milk, or ice cream to soothe the pain in the mouth.

• Provide soft-textured foods that won't irritate the sores, such as porridge, yogurt, or warm soup.

• Avoid sour or spicy foods, as they can worsen irritation and pain.

• If necessary, administer pain relievers and fever reducers like paracetamol or ibuprofen, following the dosage recommended by a doctor.

• Consult your doctor for gels or ointments that can be applied directly to the sores to help alleviate local pain.

• If your child struggles to drink fluids, offer them small sips frequently to prevent dehydration.

Typically, Singapore flu will resolve within ten days. However, if your child refuses to eat or drink, shows signs of dehydration, experiences a fever that lasts more than three days, or if the canker sores worsen and don’t heal, you should immediately take your child to the doctor for further care.

You can also consult a doctor through the Ai Care app, available for download on the App Store or Play Store.

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