How many days does hand, foot and mouth disease usually take to heal?

Hand, foot and mouth disease usually heals in about a week. This disease is more common in children and is caused by enterovirus, usually manifesting as red papules and blisters on the hands, feet and mouth.

1. Cause and transmission

Hand, foot and mouth disease is mainly caused by enterovirus and is common in spring and summer. The virus is transmitted through contact, such as contact with the saliva, nasal mucus or feces of an infected person. Children have weaker resistance and are therefore more susceptible to infection.

2. Symptoms

Patients usually develop red papules and blisters on the hands, feet, mouth, etc., sometimes accompanied by fever, loss of appetite and sore throat. In most cases, these symptoms will subside naturally within a week.

3. Treatment and care

There is no specific medicine for hand, foot and mouth disease, and the treatment is mainly symptomatic. You can use calamine lotion to relieve skin itching, and mupirocin ointment to prevent secondary infection. Keep the skin clean and dry, and avoid scratching the affected area.

4. Treatment of fever

If your child has a fever, give them antipyretics and make sure they drink plenty of fluids. If the fever persists or if they have other serious symptoms, see a doctor immediately because some enteroviruses can cause serious complications.

5. Preventive measures

Washing hands frequently and maintaining good personal hygiene are important measures to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease. Avoid close contact with infected people, especially during epidemic seasons. Toys and daily necessities should be disinfected regularly.

6. Dietary recommendations

During the viral infection, your child's appetite may decrease. Provide light, easily digestible food, such as porridge and soup, and avoid spicy and sour food. Drinking plenty of water can help relieve throat discomfort.

7. When to see a doctor

Although most cases of hand, foot and mouth disease can be cured by resting at home, if a child has symptoms such as a persistent high fever, vomiting, listlessness or difficulty breathing, they must seek medical attention immediately. Some strains of the virus can cause serious neurological complications.

Through these measures, most patients with hand, foot and mouth disease can receive effective care and recovery at home. Parents should remain vigilant, identify and deal with abnormal symptoms in a timely manner, and ensure the health and safety of their children.