Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease: Home Remedies To Try
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.
CHECK CALORIEEat 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.
CHECK CALORIEAvoid 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.
CHECK CALORIESaltwater 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.
CHECK CALORIEEpsom 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.
CHECK CALORIEBaking 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.
CHECK CALORIEOver-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.
