Suffering From Runny Nose. Noticed Red Spots On Fingers. Is It Contagious?

Posted on Sun, 21 Oct 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 Answered on

Fri, 9 Nov 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : Cold symptoms (running nose) yesterday.
Feel like I have beaten it today (very very little running nose).
Red spots started yesterday on a few fingers, and still remain with slightly more. Treatment?
Is it contagious. Or, rather will my son get spots by touching him?

Answered by Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (28 minutes later)

Hi XXXXXXX
It appears you have a viral infection that triggered your spotty issue.
It may well be Hand, Foot, Mouth disease in early evolution or just another viral infection.
It is difficult to comment online but Yes in either case, more likely to be contagious is the not so good news; good news is usually these are contagious in the prodromal phase ie when the running nose et al begins as they are more droplet spread than direct contact!
So chill...all good. Doubt touching will facilitate things..cheers & hope you enjoy continued good health!
Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar