How to treat hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a headache for many parents, especially when their children are diagnosed with the disease. Hand, foot and mouth disease is mainly caused by enterovirus and is common in children. Symptoms include fever, mouth ulcers, and rashes on the hands, feet, mouth, etc. Although it sounds a bit scary, most cases of hand, foot and mouth disease are mild and can be cared for at home.

For the treatment of hand, foot and mouth disease, the most important thing is to treat the symptoms. Keeping your child comfortable and hydrated is key. Because mouth sores can make eating difficult, it is very important to make sure your child drinks enough water to prevent dehydration. You can choose bland liquid foods such as soup, juice or milk and avoid irritating foods to relieve mouth pain.

In terms of medication, there is no specific medicine for hand, foot and mouth disease, but some common over-the-counter medicines can be used to relieve symptoms. For example, antipyretics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help lower fever and relieve pain. For oral ulcers, some local anesthetics can be used to relieve pain. However, before using any medicine on your child, it is best to consult a doctor for advice.

Hand, foot and mouth disease usually heals itself within a week to ten days, but during this period, it is very important to maintain good hygiene habits. Washing hands frequently, disinfecting toys and surfaces, and avoiding close contact with other children can prevent the spread of the virus. Especially in crowded places such as kindergartens or schools, paying attention to hygiene can effectively reduce the risk of infection.

Although hand, foot and mouth disease is mostly mild, if your child has a high fever, persistent vomiting, poor mental state or other serious symptoms, be sure to seek medical attention immediately. These may be signs of a worsening condition that requires professional medical intervention.

Although hand, foot and mouth disease is common, it is not serious in most cases. With proper care and symptomatic treatment, most children can recover quickly. As a parent, staying calm and giving your child enough support and care is the best way to help them get through this uncomfortable period.