What Every Parent Needs To Know About Hand-mouth-foot-disease
Treatment Options Available To Patients
Once a patient has been accurately diagnosed with hand-foot-mouth disease, most parents are told to ensure their child gets plenty of rest and to be patient, as the illness will typically alleviate itself after seven to ten days. There is currently no specific medication, treatment, or vaccine for the disease, however, there are a few remedies patients can do to alleviate their symptoms. To relieve a child’s discomfort, parents can try over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, numbing mouth sprays, as well as cold treats such as popsicles, yogurt, or smoothies to soothe a sore throat. Anti-itch lotion, such as calamine, or oat baths commonly used for chicken pox symptoms, can help a child dealing with irritating rashes.
Most importantly, parents and adults alike should practice frequent hand-washing for themselves and children and avoid close contact with individuals infected, as this may reduce the likelihood of their child or even themselves from getting the disease. Patients infected should also avoid salty, spicy and acidic foods and beverages as this can result in further irritation of the mouthand instead should try to consume cold drinks and foods such as ice water and ice cream. It is also recommended patients rinse their mouths with warm water after eating a meal.
How can individuals prevent the spreading of this uncomfortable disease? Continue reading to discover helpful prevention tips!
How To Prevent Spreading The Virus
Parents should be aware that their child is the most contagious in the first seven days of becoming infected with HFMD, but the virus can remain present within the child’s body for days, or even weeks after their symptoms have disappeared. As previously mentioned, the best way to prevent HFMD from spreading is to wash hands thoroughly and frequently and to disinfect all surfaces and items a contagious individual may have come into contact with. Parents should be washing their hands too, and not just their child’s, especially after changing their diaper or wiping a runny nose, as the virus can still spread through the child's mucus, spit, and feces. A child should also be fever and symptom-free before they return to school or daycare to ensure they do not infect anybody else. Parents should always consult their doctor if they believe their child is still contagious before resuming their regular routine.
Even though hand-mouth-foot disease is a common and minor illness, parents should take preventative measures for their children and try their best to comfort them during their symptoms. With proper treatment, children can bounce back and become healthy again in no time!
