Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease: Home Remedies To Try

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral infection predominantly caused by the Coxsackie virus, which primarily affects children under 10 years of age, although it can also occur in adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the condition is self-limiting, typically resolving without treatment within 7 to 10 days. During this time, symptom management is essential to alleviate discomfort.This article will outline various home-based treatment options that are available to mitigate the symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease, thereby aiding the recovery process for both children and adults afflicted with this infection.

Eat Frozen Treats

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is associated with a range of discomforting symptoms, including a sore throat and blister-like lesions within the mouth. To alleviate this discomfort in children, offering frozen treats can be beneficial. For a nutritious option, consider providing popsicles made from pure fruit juice or frozen yogurt. Alternatively, ice chips are also effective; however, it is crucial to ensure they are safe and do not present a choking risk for your child.

Drink Cold Beverages

For alleviating the discomfort associated with a sore mouth, chilled options such as ice-cold beverages can be quite effective. It is advisable to avoid sugary sodas and beverages with artificial flavors, which can exacerbate inflammation. Instead, choose wholesome alternatives like milk, ice water, or pure fruit juices to mitigate the symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease and provide soothing relief.

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Eat Soft Foods

It is advisable to avoid offering children crunchy or hard foods when they exhibit oral discomfort, a typical sign of hand, foot, and mouth disease. Opt for easily consumable, soft foods that necessitate minimal chewing. Suitable breakfast options include smoothies, oatmeal, waffles, and bananas, while soups and stews are gentle meal choices for lunch or dinner.

Avoid Acidic Foods and Beverages

During your child's recovery period, it is advisable to steer clear of acidic foods and drinks, as they may exacerbate soreness by irritating the mouth. Common acidic items to avoid include spaghetti sauce, orange juice, lemons, limes, tomatoes, pineapples, and grapefruits. To ensure a more comfortable healing process, opt for foods with lower acidity levels such as yogurt, milk, soft fresh vegetables, and whole grains.

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Avoid Salty and Spicy Foods

To facilitate a smooth recovery from hand, foot, and mouth disease, it is advisable to avoid not only acidic consumables but also to limit the intake of salty and spicy foods. Items such as chips, nuts, and pretzels, despite their appealing crunch, can exacerbate mouth sores due to their abrasive texture and high salt content, which can further irritate the affected areas. Similarly, spicy foods may aggravate symptoms. It is recommended to choose soft, bland foods that are gentle on the mouth during the healing process.

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Saltwater Gargle

Should your child possess the capability to gargle without ingesting the solution, a saline gargle is advised as a therapeutic aid. This practice can mitigate discomfort associated with oral ulcers and promote healing, courtesy of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. To prepare the saline solution, dissolve a modest amount of table or Himalayan pink salt in warm water. Instruct your child to swish this mixture in their mouth and expel it afterward. Repeating this procedure three to four times daily, or as required, can contribute to an expedited recovery.

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Epsom Salt Bath

For the relief of bodily discomfort, it is advisable to prepare a bath with an addition of one cup of Epsom salts, scientifically referred to as magnesium sulfate, which consists of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. Submerge in the bath for a duration of 15 to 20 minutes to experience the benefits. Epsom salts are lauded for their anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to magnesium's role in reducing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby alleviating inflammation.

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Baking Soda Bath

Should you find yourself without Epsom salts, consider employing a baking soda bath as an alternative to alleviate discomfort associated with hand, foot, and mouth disease. Prepare the bath by introducing 1/2 cup of baking soda into a full tub, ensuring it fully dissolves before immersing yourself for a duration of 15 to 20 minutes. While the scientific community has yet to confirm the efficacy of this method through rigorous studies, a significant number of personal accounts suggest that it may help to reduce inflammation and relieve itching.

Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil is recognized for its myriad health advantages, often considered a versatile solution for numerous medical issues, including digestive disorders and dermatological afflictions. Additionally, emerging evidence suggests that it could serve as a beneficial treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities, which can aid in alleviating blisters and rashes associated with the condition. For optimal results, it is recommended to apply virgin coconut oil to the affected areas using a cotton ball once daily, allowing it to absorb fully into the skin.

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Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever

To alleviate the symptoms associated with hand, foot, and mouth disease, one may consider using over-the-counter analgesics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Should these self-care measures and over-the-counter options prove ineffective, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider. A physician can prescribe appropriate pain relief to manage the discomforts of the condition.

When to See a Doctor

Should your child exhibit a refusal to consume food or liquids, or present symptoms of vomiting and dehydration—characterized by a prolonged absence of intake for 4 to 8 hours, dryness of the skin, mouth, tongue, absence of tears when crying, and reduced or nonexistent urination—it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention. Moreover, other urgent symptoms demanding prompt medical evaluation include a severe sore throat, rapid breathing, or an intense headache accompanied by vomiting, confusion, or abnormal drowsiness.

How to Prevent Spreading the Disease

To ensure the containment of the illness during the recovery period, it is crucial to adhere to preventative measures to mitigate the risk of transmission. Limit contact with others, particularly in the initial stages of the illness, to avoid further spread. Frequent and thorough hand washing is imperative, especially after handling diapers, as the virus is commonly transmitted via saliva and fecal matter. Additionally, regular disinfection of surfaces and thorough laundering of clothing, bedding, and any contaminated items must be maintained to achieve a safe and healthy environment.

Laughing in Sleep (Hypnogely): What Does it Mean and Is it Normal?

Recent insights have transformed our understanding of sleep from a perceived state of inactivity to a period rich with essential brain activity. Renowned Johns Hopkins sleep specialist and neurologist, Dr. Mark Wu, has emphasized that sleep involves a multitude of processes vital to our quality of life. During sleep, the brain undergoes various stages, including REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is predominantly associated with dreaming. Instances of laughter during sleep, known as hypnogely, often occur as a result of dream content and are more common than previously recognized. Further exploration into this phenomenon reveals its implications, possible triggers, and whether it constitutes normal behavior.

Two Main Kinds of Sleep

As stated by Healthline, sleep is categorized into two phases: rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep, with each person experiencing several cycles of both during a typical night. REM sleep, which is when most dreaming occurs, commences approximately 90 minutes after one falls asleep. In this phase, there is a marked increase in brain wave activity that resembles wakefulness, characterized by quick movements of the eyes.

During REM sleep, despite the presence of irregular breathing, and heart rate and blood pressure levels that echo those experienced when awake, the body experiences a temporary paralysis of the limbs. This physiological mechanism ensures that actions in dreams are not physically enacted.

Stages of Non-REM Sleep

Non-REM sleep is a crucial aspect of our sleep cycle that unfolds over three distinct stages. According to Healthline, the initial stage serves as a transition from wakefulness to sleep, characterized by a relaxation of muscles and a reduction in both breathing rate and brain activity. The duration of this stage is typically brief.

In the following stage, we experience a lighter form of sleep which precedes the descent into a more profound state of rest. During this phase, both heart rate and breathing continue to decrease, muscle relaxation intensifies, eye movements cease, and brain activity diminishes with intermittent surges of electrical signals.

The third and final stage of non-REM sleep is essential for feeling rejuvenated upon awakening. Interestingly, this restorative phase predominantly occurs during the early portion of the night. It is marked by the lowest rates of heartbeat and breathing, along with minimal brain wave activity, which together contribute to a restful and refreshing sleep cycle.

When Does Laughing Occur?

Laughter during sleep typically manifests in the REM stage, the deepest phase of the sleep cycle and the period associated with dreaming, according to Medical News Today. During REM sleep, individuals often experience muscle atonia, rendering the body temporarily paralyzed and inactive. This phenomenon is more likely to appear in the latter portion of the night and may awaken the individual if the laughter is sufficiently intense. Additionally, Healthline indicates that laughter can sometimes occur during non-REM sleep, in which case it is categorized as a parasomnia—an umbrella term for unusual behaviors, sensations, or emotions experienced during sleep.

Is It Normal?

Laughing during sleep, though seemingly unusual, is a phenomenon that is not rare and often originates from dream activity, according to Medical News Today. Dreams that induce laughter are not always humorous; they can be strange or even surreal. The prevalence of such events is not widely documented, making it difficult to determine how widespread they are. Nonetheless, Medical News Today cites research indicating that a proportion of middle school students, ranging from 33 to 44 percent, experienced at least one incident of sleep laughter in a six-month period. Additionally, approximately 73 percent of undergraduates acknowledged being aware of at least one instance of hypnagogic laughter annually.

Is it Harmful?

Sleep-associated laughter is typically harmless and not unusual, particularly among infants and children. Under normal circumstances, it does not indicate any medical concern. Despite this, some research does point to the possibility that nocturnal laughter might be symptomatic of a neurological or sleep-related disorder, such as parasomnia. Moreover, albeit infrequently, it could be associated with gelastic seizures—a rare form of seizure predominantly affecting young children, characterized by brief spells of involuntary laughter lasting from 10 to 20 seconds. It's important to note, however, that these seizures can also be observed in adults, albeit in a small proportion of cases.

Dreams

Sleeping individuals universally experience dreams, though they are not consistently remembered upon waking. Laughter during sleep often occurs in reaction to dream content. While early Freudian theory suggested that such laughter might denote the subconscious expression of innate instincts or fears, contemporary views within the medical community largely discount this theory. It is now more commonly accepted that sleep-laughter pertains to reactions to peculiar or amusing dreams. Typically, the person laughing is unaware of their behavior; it is often noticed by a bed partner or, if pronounced enough, it may awaken the dreamer themselves.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorders

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) offers another explanation for why individuals might laugh during their sleep. In contrast to typical muscle paralysis experienced during sleep, those with RBD retain muscle mobility, which can lead to involuntary movements, including thrashing limbs, as noted by Medical News Today. This may pose a risk for self-injury or harm to the sleeping partner. RBD is an uncommon condition, affecting less than 1% of the population, predominately manifesting in males over the age of 50. Risk factors include neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease or multiple system atrophy, with additional potential contributors being excessive alcohol use, withdrawal, sleep deprivation, and certain medications.

Parasomnia

Instances of laughter during non-REM sleep may indicate the presence of arousal parasomnias, a condition characterized by being in a state that is neither fully asleep nor entirely awake, similar to what Healthline reports. Common arousal parasomnias include behaviors such as sleepwalking and sleep terrors, typically lasting less than an hour. While more prevalent in children, adults are not immune to these occurrences. Factors increasing the likelihood of experiencing parasomnias encompass genetic predisposition, the use of sedatives, lack of sleep, shifts in one's sleep routine, and elevated stress levels, as detailed by Healthline.

Gelastic Seizures

Neurological disorders can, though uncommonly, induce episodes of sleep laughter. Parkinson's disease and REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) have been previously identified as associated with this phenomenon, as has the neurological condition known as hypothalamic hamartoma (HH). HH may lead to gelastic seizures, which are characterized by uncontrollable laughter or giggling and frequently occur as an individual is drifting off to sleep, according to Medical News Today.

Hypothalamic hamartoma is a congenital disorder that manifests typically around the age of 10 months and may present multiple times daily. These seizure events typically persist for 10 to 20 seconds, during which individuals often experience initial sensations resembling a flutter in the abdomen or a tickling in the chest, sometimes accompanied by a headache. Prior to the onset of a seizure, individuals may appear surprised or frightened and engage in reflexive actions, such as lip smacking or swallowing, Medical News Today further explains.

Babies Laughing in Sleep

The vision of an infant gently slumbering and spontaneously smiling is universally cherished and frequently recalled by parents from the early weeks of their child's life. Moreover, it is not uncommon for infants to laugh while they are asleep. Experts, as reported by Medical News Today, have yet to fully understand the phenomenon, yet it is generally not a cause for alarm.

It is rare, but consistent laughter in a baby's sleep could be an indicator of a health issue, particularly if accompanied by other symptoms. For instance, continuous uncontrolled laughter while awake, combined with abnormal behavior, would warrant further investigation according to medical advisories. Nonetheless, isolated instances of laughter during sleep typically do not suggest a medical problem.

Spiritual Meaning Behind Sleep Laughing

Laughter during sleep is typically attributed to dreams and carries various cultural interpretations. As reported by Smart Sleeping Tips, some individuals regard it as an auspicious omen, suggesting forthcoming success and favorable outcomes. Conversely, others consider it a cautionary signal, potentially indicating the presence of negativity in one's social circle or dissatisfaction with life, with dreams serving as a means of temporary escape from these challenges.

Outlook

Laughing during sleep is typically a benign behavior, most often observed in infants and children and generally not a sign of any serious condition, as affirmed by Healthline. While the phenomenon can sometimes be linked to more significant health issues, these instances are rare. It's important to recognize that quality sleep is essential for overall well-being. Therefore, individuals experiencing persistent sleep disturbances or concerns about their sleep patterns are advised to consult a healthcare professional for assessment and guidance on maintaining optimal sleep health. A medical evaluation can help determine if there is an underlying condition that requires attention.

A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Care for Men

When we consider the concept of self-care, traditional images may depict a woman indulging in a spa treatment or a tranquil bubble bath. However, self-care transcends gender and is equally vital for men. It involves more than simple indulgence; it's about fostering well-being and health. The World Health Organization defines self-care as the practice of preserving health, preventing illness, and managing medical conditions. It's essential for individuals to allocate time to care for their mental and physical well-being. Though understanding where to begin can be challenging, our introductory self-care guide for men offers 11 practical tips to embark on this journey toward better health and self-compassion.

How to Get Started

Embarking on a self-care journey requires a measured approach to ensure it enhances your well-being without becoming a source of added stress. It is advisable to initiate this path by concentrating on a single aspect of self-care that resonates with you personally. Whether it is improving your physical fitness or nurturing your mental health through meditation, selecting one focal point can lead to meaningful improvements. As you experience positive changes, you may find yourself naturally inclined to expand your self-care practices. Below, we offer 11 self-care strategies to help you begin this fulfilling journey.

Prioritize Sleep

Reflect on your sleep quality—do you feel refreshed upon waking, or do you experience a sense of fatigue? Recognizing the fundamental role of sleep is critical for self-care, as it significantly impacts both your physical and mental well-being. Adequate, restorative sleep is essential for cognitive clarity, stress reduction, weight management, and bolstering the immune system.

To enhance your sleep quality, it is advisable to develop a consistent nighttime routine. Effective sleep hygiene practices can involve maintaining regular sleep and wake times, abstaining from heavy or sugary snacks before bed, limiting caffeine intake in the latter part of the day, disconnecting from electronic devices prior to sleep, and cultivating a tranquil and comfortable sleeping environment. Consistency in these practices will eventually solidify them into habits, thereby improving the overall quality of your sleep.

Get Active

Professional life frequently demands much of our attention, often relegating exercise to a lower rung on our list of priorities. However, it is essential to acknowledge the significance of physical activity as a substantial component of holistic self-care.

Engaging in regular exercise enhances not only muscular strength and endurance, but it also provides a wide array of additional health benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic, consistent physical activity efficiently distributes oxygen and nutrients to bodily tissues, which in turn augments the effectiveness of the cardiovascular system. Moreover, exercise contributes to improved sleep quality, elevated mood, weight management, and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

For those who have not yet incorporated physical activity into their routine, it is advisable to commence gradually. Initiating this process could be as simple as integrating a daily walk during a lunch break or post-work. Other options include subscribing to a gym membership or enlisting the services of a personal trainer. The imperative is to take the preliminary step and progress from there.

Connect With Nature

Engaging with the natural world is an essential facet of self-care. Amidst the bustle of daily routines, dedicating moments to immerse oneself in a tranquil natural setting is invaluable for relaxation. Simple activities like a leisurely stroll in a park or quietly enjoying the ambient sounds and sights outdoors can facilitate this connection. An intriguing method known as grounding or earthing, which is a therapeutic practice, seeks to reconnect individuals with the earth's electrical potential. Healthline mentions that, although it requires further scientific exploration, preliminary research indicates potential health benefits linked to grounding, such as cardiovascular health improvement, alleviation of post-exercise muscle soreness and pain, and enhanced mood. To practice grounding, activities such as walking barefoot outside, lying directly on the ground, or immersing oneself in a body of water like a lake or ocean are recommended.

Recite Affirmations

Positive affirmations, according to Healthline, are a form of positive thinking that may seem questionable to some, yet they can be effective within certain bounds. These affirmations serve as a tool to help shift one's mindset rather than acting as a cure-all or guarantee of immediate success. The concept is that the consistent repetition of positive statements can bolster the belief in these thoughts, potentially influencing one’s actions to align with these beliefs. For optimal results, it is recommended to engage in self-affirmations for 3 to 5 minutes, at least twice daily, with each affirmation repeated approximately 10 times. The affirmations chosen can be personalized to an individual's goals or needs.

Meditation and Breathwork

Meditation is a respected and effective self-care technique that offers substantial benefits. It involves the deliberate practice of focusing and guiding one's thoughts, as defined by Healthline. This practice can significantly reduce stress, enhance focus, manage anxiety, increase self-awareness, improve sleep quality, and bolster emotional well-being.

Incorporating meditation into your self-care regimen is remarkably straightforward, as it can be practiced in any setting at your convenience. Among various meditation approaches, breath-focused techniques are particularly accessible. For instance, the 4-7-8 breathing method entails inhaling for four seconds, holding the breath for seven seconds, and exhaling gradually over eight seconds. This type of meditation and controlled breathing can induce mental clarity and relaxation by calming the mind and slowing the heart rate.

Treat Yourself to a Professional Shave

Prioritizing self-care is essential, and occasionally, it manifests in the form of indulging in luxurious experiences. Opting for a professional shave elevates the traditional at-home routine, offering a meticulous shave with a straight razor—an upgrade from conventional drugstore options. Accompanied by a soothing hot towel service, it enhances the experience by opening the pores and softening the skin, providing relaxation and rejuvenation. Grant yourself the gift of a professional shave; book your appointment today and embrace the pampering you merit.

Journal Daily

Regular journaling is an invaluable self-care practice for men, fostering a positive mindset and offering a structured approach to personal growth. By routinely reflecting on goals, expressing gratitude, and articulating challenges, journaling cultivates emotional resilience and can significantly diminish stress, enhancing overall mood and well-being. Versatile in its execution, journaling can be undertaken traditionally with pen and paper, digitally via electronic devices, or even artistically through drawing, providing a flexible platform for individual expression and introspection.

Take a Social Media Break

Social media serves as an engaging platform for maintaining connections, yet excessive engagement has been linked to adverse effects on mental health, including reduced self-esteem, isolation, and depressive symptoms, as highlighted by Insider. To mitigate these impacts, it is advisable to incorporate regular social media sabbaticals into one’s self-care regimen.

To initiate a social media hiatus, one might start by disabling push notifications, thereby minimizing the impulse to incessantly check applications in response to incoming alerts—this approach is equally applicable to work-related emails. Alternatively, designating specific times for social media usage can foster purposeful engagement. For a more profound disconnect, consider a complete pause from social media for a sustained duration. Experimentation with these strategies may reveal notable benefits to one’s overall well-being.

Volunteer

Engaging in acts of volunteerism not only serves the community but can also enhance one's own well-being. Western Connecticut State University insights reveal that participating in charitable activities can invigorate your self-confidence, elevate your self-esteem, and accelerate life satisfaction. The virtues of altruism extend beyond mental health benefits, offering a sense of achievement, pride, and fostering personal identity. A spectrum of opportunities exists for community support, ranging from mentoring young students to assisting at local shelters. Individuals looking to contribute can discover a multitude of volunteer options within their vicinity through a simple online search.

Embrace a New Hobby

In the midst of a bustling life, it is imperative to prioritize self-care, which often entails rekindling passion for cherished pastimes or exploring new hobbies. Engaging in such activities is not only enjoyable but also advantageous for your mental health and overall well-being. Hobbies serve as a potent antidote to stress, elevate mood, and can be instrumental in mitigating the risk of depression.

A hobby should resonate with your personal interests, whether that includes participating in team sports, mastering a musical instrument, indulging in creative endeavors, or pursuing academic interests. Enjoyment of hobbies can be a solitary pursuit or shared with friends, loved ones, or in a community group. Ultimately, the significance of a hobby lies in its capacity to provide fulfillment and happiness.

Plan a Weekend With Friends

Self-care is not limited to individual activities; it can also include meaningful interactions with friends and loved ones. Such engagements support one's mental and physical well-being, which is at the heart of self-care. Therefore, it can be beneficial to arrange group activities that contribute positively to one's health. Whether it entails organizing an outdoor adventure, enjoying a sports event together, or simply sharing quality time with a close friend, these experiences are an integral part of one's self-care regimen. The key lies in allocating dedicated time to nurture oneself through these social interactions.