Primary Treatment for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: What You Need to Know

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a viral infection that commonly affects children, although adults can also contract it. While generally not serious, HFMD can cause significant discomfort and sometimes lead to complications. This article will discuss the main treatments for HFMD and steps you can take to ensure a faster recovery.

What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

HFMD is caused by the coxsackievirus, which spreads through direct contact with fluid from blisters, saliva, or stool from an infected person. Common symptoms include fever, rash on the hands, feet, and mouth, and general discomfort.

Key Symptoms

• Mild to moderate fever
• Red blisters or rashes around the mouth, hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks
• Sore throat or mouth ulcers
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue

Main Treatments for HFMD

1. Pain and Fever Management While there’s no specific treatment to kill the HFMD virus, the goal is to manage the symptoms. Doctors usually recommend pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to control fever and reduce discomfort caused by mouth ulcers and skin blisters.
2. Mouth Soothers Sore throat and mouth ulcers can make it difficult to eat or drink. To ease the pain, mouth rinses containing ingredients like lidocaine can provide temporary relief. Cold drinks and soft foods like porridge or yogurt can also help soothe the mouth.
3. Adequate Hydration Dehydration is a concern, especially if the patient finds swallowing painful. Encourage drinking plenty of fluids such as water, juice, or broth. Coconut water can also be helpful for maintaining hydration.
4. Plenty of Rest As with most viral infections, rest is essential for recovery. Ensure the patient gets enough sleep and rest to allow the immune system to fight off the virus effectively.
5. Avoid Spicy or Acidic Foods Spicy or acidic foods can worsen mouth ulcers. It’s best to avoid these and opt for soft, cool foods to reduce pain and irritation.

Additional Preventive Measures

• Good Hygiene: Teach children to wash their hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom or before eating, as HFMD spreads through direct contact.
• Avoid Contact with Others: Keep the infected person away from others, especially children, until they have fully recovered to prevent the spread of the virus.
• Disinfect Frequently Touched Items: Clean and disinfect commonly touched items like toys, door handles, and utensils to prevent further infection.

When to Seek Medical Help?

In most cases, HFMD resolves on its own within 7 to 10 days. However, seek immediate medical help if:

• Fever persists for more than 3 days or doesn’t go down with medication.
• Signs of dehydration appear, such as dry lips, reduced urination, or extreme fatigue.
• Difficulty breathing or persistent vomiting occurs.

If you suspect that your child or someone you know has Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, contact Gleneagles Hospitals right away. Our medical team is available to provide treatment and further advice on steps to prevent the spread of the disease.