Question

My child is experiencing symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease, such as red spots on the upper palate of the mouth, blisters on the inner side of the lips, and red spots on hands. We have tried medication but there has been no improvement. How should we treat it, and how long is it expected to recover?

Answer

When treating hand, foot, and mouth disease, the first priority is to enhance personal hygiene, maintain oral cleanliness to avoid bacterial infections. It is recommended to rinse with warm water after each meal and keep the indoor air circulating and at a comfortable temperature. Encourage your child to drink plenty of plain water or cold drinks, and consume fresh vegetables and fruits. Regularly clean children’s toys and other items thoroughly. During the peak season of hand, foot, and mouth disease, avoid taking children to crowded public places to reduce the risk of infection. At the same time, parents should pay attention to their children’s nutrition and rest, avoid overexposure to prevent excessive fatigue from lowering their resistance. As for the recovery time, it varies from individual to individual, but following the above suggestions can help accelerate recovery.