Hand, Foot, And Mouth Disease: Prevention And Homecare

Hand, foot, and mouth disease caused by Coxsackievirus or Enterovirus is generally seen in children below the age of 5 years.  A child suffering from hand, foot, and mouth disease may show symptoms like a low-grade fever, sore throat, irritability, loss of appetite, loss of appetite, mouth tongue ulcers, and red rashes or blisters.

This disease is a mild disease and can be treated at home but in rare cases, it might show complications like inflammation of brain encephalitis, viral aseptic meningitis, and Loss of fingernail or toenail (reported within 4 weeks).

Even if it’s a contagious disease, it can be prevented with a few easy steps like:

· Maintain proper hygiene that includes mandatory hand washing after contact with an infected person and after changing the diapers.

·  Ensure proper disposal of the diapers.

· Avoid the sharing of utensils, cups, spoons, nipple, etc, and always wash them properly with detergent after use and sterilize them by boiling them. Also, change the nipple every week.

· Disinfect the toys and other articles with 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution.

· Disinfect the commonly touched surfaces and soiled items.

· Avoid close contact like kissing, hugging, and sharing items.

In case a child is suffering from hand, foot, and mouth disease, the first thing to understand is that there is not a specific treatment for the same. But this disease can easily be managed at home with the use of over-the-counter medications for pain relief and fever.  One can also make use of mouthwash and sprays to manage the oral pain caused by blisters or sores. In addition to medication ensure appropriate hydration i.e. intake of lots of fluid and in case the child is not able to swallow fluids he/she can be started with IV fluids (intravenous).

Additionally in the course of recovery also pay attention to danger signs that need the doctor’s attention and hospitalization like high fever, weakness, lethargy, fits, vomiting, drowsiness, inability to pass urine, and refusing feeds.