HFMD is a highly contagious infection caused by viruses from the Enterovirus genus, most commonly Coxsackievirus.

HFMD is characterized by blisters or sores in mouth and rash on hands and feet. It can affect people in all age groups by most commonly children are affected. It usually mild and lasts for 7-10 days.

SYMPTOMS OF HFMD

The incubation period is 3-6 days, after which symptoms develop.

The early symptoms are like that of common cold:

• Fever
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Runny nose

After a day or two of fever, the following symptoms are seen:

• Small painful sores (ulcers) on the throat and tonsils
• A rash of very small blisters or red spots on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and diaper area. These usually are not itchy.
• Tenderness or pain when touching the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
• Poor appetite due to painful swallowing

The skin may peel after the rash heels; but it is harmless.

It is usually a mild and self limiting infection but there can be complications occasionally.

Complications may include:

• Dehydration if mouth sores make it hard to swallow liquids
• Swelling of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (viral meningitis)
• Brain swelling (encephalitis)
• Swelling of the heart muscle (myocarditis)
• Paralysis

SPREAD OF HFMD

The infectious agents are contained in the body fluids/secretions of the infected persons:

• Saliva
• Mucus from their nose or lungs
• Fluid from blisters or scabs
• Stool

Spread of infection occurs in the following ways

• Coughing or Sneezing
• Close contact like kissing, hugging, sharing cups, or sharing utensils
• Contact with poop, like when changing a diaper
• Touching surfaces with the virus on them

MANGEMENT AT HOME

• Give lots of liquids, such as water, milk, apple juice, etc
•  Avoid fruit juices that are high in acid, like cranberry juice, orange juice or lemonade.  They may irritate the mouth sores
• If your child is under one year old, continue to give breast milk, formula, or both.
• Offer soft foods that are easy to swallow, like applesauce, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, or eggs. Your child may not want to eat much if it hurts to swallow.
• To soothe a sore throat, give warm fluids
• For children over 6 years who are able to gargle without swallowing, use a mixture of 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt to one 8 ounce glass of warm water. Swish and gargle the mixture 2 to 3 times a day, as needed.  Do not let your child swallow the salt water; have him spit it out.

TREATMENT

There’s no vaccine for hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Consult your doctor for treatment of HFMD. Homoeopathic medicines work efficiently in infections as they enhance the body’s immune system and enable it to fight the virus. Improving the immunity is vital in treatment of viral infections.

Avoid Over the Counter medications.

HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE PREVENTION

Your child is most contagious in the first 7 days of the illness. But the virus can stay in their body for days or weeks and spread through their spit or stool. Take these steps to lower the chance of infection:

• Wash your hands carefully, especially after changing a diaper or wiping a child’s nose. Help children keep their hands clean.
• Teach kids to cover their mouth and nose when they sneeze or cough. Educate children on the use of masks.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and shared items like toys and doorknobs.
• Avoid close contact with infected persons. Don’t share cups or utensils with them.
• Don’t send your child to school or day care until their symptoms are gone. Check with your doctor if you think they might still be contagious.

For treatment of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, contact us at HONEY HOMOEO CLINIC.