Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease HFMD: Rash, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Table of Content

• Who is at risk for hand, foot, and mouth disease?
• Scrub with soap and water
• Symptoms of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease

Since HFMD is a viral illness, it is not effective. Please note that Hand Foot and Mouth Disease isn’t the same as foot-and-mouth disease also known as mad cow disease. Foot and Mouth disease is an infectious viral disease found in farm animals like cows, sheep, goats, and pigs. Coconut oil is chock full of benefits and is touted as the “cure-all” for many health problems from digestive ailments to skin conditions and more. But it turns out it may also be an effective remedy for hand, foot and mouth disease. Foods like chips, nuts, pretzels are crunchy which can irritate the mouth sores but the texture isn’t the only culprit.

This common childhood illness is incredibly contagious and can tear through playrooms, day care centers and preschool classrooms at an alarming clip. And while its symptoms tend to be relatively mild, hand, foot, and mouth disease can make babies and toddlers pretty miserable. Here’s everything you need to know, including how to prevent it in your little one (and yourself!).

Who is at risk for hand, foot, and mouth disease?

Once when she was about 16 months and again this past September. First time around the fever broke on day 3 or 4 and rash completely cleared up by day 10. While aspirin can cause problems, acetaminophen is generally safe and effective for reducing fever in children and teens. Just be sure to follow the dosing, which is based on a child’s weight. Avoid giving a child or teenager aspirin because aspirin can cause Reyes syndrome, which may lead to brain and liver damage. Reyes syndrome usually develops after a child takes aspirin while fighting off a virus.

Our stringent editorial guidelines allow us to only cite from reputed research institutions, academic journals, and medically established studies. If you discover any discrepancy in our content, you may contact us. “Antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of lavender essential oil.” Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, US National Library Of Medicine. A mix of honey, finger millet flour, and natural soda ash solution is used to manage hand, food, and mouth disease .

Scrub with soap and water

Those with symptoms of the disease can expect to make a full recovery within 7–10 days. Although adults can get HFMD, they often experience no symptoms, so they may not realize they have contracted the virus. People who are pregnant should let a healthcare professional know if they have developed symptoms of HFMD or come in contact with someone with the virus.

This step is important for removing any chemicals that may have made their way to your hands in the process. Also be sure to store all cleaning products out of reach of your baby or toddler when you're done, in a high cabinet with a safety latch. The viruses that usually cause hand, foot, and mouth are named coxsackievirus a16 and enterovirus 71. A Group Owner is a member that has initiated the creation of a group to connect with other members to share their journey through the same pregnancy & baby stages. Group Owners uphold the core values of the brand by reporting content that violates the community guidelines.

Symptoms of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease

Keep contagious individuals separate — Limit exposure to anyone infected with hand-foot-and-mouth mouth disease. It’s a good idea to keep children out of childcare or school until their mouth sores heal and they’re fever free. There are currently no specific remedies or treatments for hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Your doctor may advise you to have your child rest, while you do what you can to control the symptoms. Make sure the child gets enough fluids and receives medication for any aches and pains.

The symptoms do not decrease after a week or 10 days. Do not kiss or hug the child when the child has an infection as it can spread. A few measures that can be used for the prevention of HFMD are 1. Cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing. In rare cases, the doctor may order a blood test to confirm the presence of the virus.

Raha Name Meaning, Origin, Rashi & More

They also lower inflammation, quicken healing, and help maintain oral health. You can make tea from calendula petals, add honey to it, and give it to your child. You can also use calendula cream to apply over the rashes to soothe them. You can manage this condition with home remedies like coconut oil, baking soda, Epsom salt, and more. Some of the common symptoms of this disease are fever, sore throat, and appetite loss. Elderberry possesses immunity-boosting and antiviral properties that can ease the symptoms of hand-foot-and-mouth disease .

Hence, it is important you wash your hands thoroughly after any contact with patients. Avoid giving your older baby or toddler salty, citrusy or spicy foods, along with acidic or citrusy drinks, as those can make mouth and throat sores more painful. Your doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and look at any sores or rashes. This is usually enough for them to decide if it’s hand, foot, and mouth disease. But they might also swab your child’s throat or take a sample of poop or blood for lab testing.

You can also buy astralagus tea bags or make your own by simmering a teaspoon of grated astralagus root in water. Strain this and give this drink to your child after adding honey to soothe the symptoms of HFMD. Oil pulling with coconut oil can help alleviate the painful and inflamed blisters inside the mouth. This is due to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of coconut oil . The Hand foot and mouth disease is highly contagious and it can easily spread from one person to another. It can spread through touch and even using the belongings of another person.

Your child may start running a fever and showing other flu-like symptoms. They may be less interested in eating and drinking and end up with a sore throat. HFMD is not a very serious disease, and the recovery is usually done in a week to ten days. Unless some other symptoms are there it does not even need medical treatment. Only under severe circumstances, hospitalization may be needed for a few days.

How long does HFMD last in adults?

Bear in mind citrus juices like orange juice will likely irritate the sores. You can add a few drops of this oil to your child’s body wash to help him fight the virus and nourish his skin. You can also mix a few drops in a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and apply it on the rashes. Yes, especially if your child’s mouth sores or sore throat prevent them from drinking fluids. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral infection. Infants and young children are most susceptible, but it can sometimes affect adults and older children.