Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease: Symptoms, Home Remedies, Cures

Seeing your nipper seething with pain is the worst sight for any parent. As an extremely loving and doting parent, we want to create a utopia for our kids where there are no threats from any disease. But with kids, nothing can be foolproof. So, if we cannot make things work our way, the least we could do is to be aware of the dangers around. Not all diseases have a readily available cure; therefore, we should learn about their symptoms and prevention methods before the nascent infection takes an ugly turn.One such disease is the hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD). Although it can affect people of any age, it is most common in children. There is no specific season for HFMD but there are more cases in summer and fall. It is a mild condition that does not last for more than a week. Read on to know about Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease: Symptoms, Home Remedies, Cures.

Causes of HFMD

HFMD is mostly caused by coxsackievirus from the Enterovirus family. This disease is highly contagious, spreading from an infected person through even coughing or sneezing. Besides, it can also get transmitted through infected feces while changing diapers or when your child gets stool on their hands and touches infected objects or put them in their mouth.

Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease: Symptoms, Home Remedies, Cures are simple and can be followed easily at home.

Symptoms of HFMD

Generally, it takes three to seven days for the infection to develop. This period is known as the incubation period. After a week of initial infection, your child may experience fatigue, sore throat, and high fever. This is followed by blisters and rash in or on the mouth, hand, foot, buttocks, and legs. Your baby may also suffer from poor appetite and headache.
Diagnosis of HFMD
There is no specific test for HFMD. However, doctors can tell if the child is suffering from the infection by looking at the symptoms, blisters, and rashes. In some cases the doctor may take a throat swab or stool sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of HFMD

There is no specific treatment for HFMD. However, the doctor may prescribe few ointments to ease the symptoms and soothe the blisters and rashes, pain killers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and medicated syrups and lozenges for sore throats.

Simple home treatments can also provide relief from HFMD:

1.Sucking on ice or popsicles.
2.Drinking cold beverages.
3.Avoiding spicy, salty, and acidic food.
4.Avoiding citrus food like fruits, soda, and fruit juice.
5.Drinking coconut water.
6.Eating mashed banana.
7.Eating steamed and pureed vegetables.
8.Drinking plenty of fluids.
9.Eating biscuits dissolved in milk.
10.Eating kheer/custard.

Prevention of HFMD

The best defense against HFMD is practicing hygiene.
1.Wash your child’s hand regularly using liquid soap.
2.Teach kids not to put their hands in or around their mouth.
3.Sterilize toys, pacifiers, and other children belongings.
4.Disinfect common areas at home regularly.
5.Wash your hands especially after diaper change.
6.Do not send your infected child to school; this will avoid spreading the disease.
7.Cover your mouth while sneezing or coughing.

Children are the ones who transform dull environs to vibrant ones in our homes. Their illness can suddenly bring melancholy to our lives. Teach the benefits of cleanliness to your little monster and ensure proper hygiene to keep them away from HFMD.

Hope this list of Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease: Symptoms, Home Remedies, Cures will help you in keeping the disease at bay.

You can check more about HFMD here.