Question

How is hand, foot, and mouth disease typically treated?

Answer

The treatment principle for hand, foot, and mouth disease is mainly symptomatic. Patients can take antiviral medications, cooling and detoxifying traditional Chinese medicine, Vitamin B, and Vitamin C. If complications arise, intramuscular injections of gamma globulin can be administered. During the illness, it is important to strengthen the child’s care, especially focusing on oral hygiene. Before and after meals, physiological saline solution or warm water can be used for rinsing. Choose non-irritating foods such as liquids or semi-liquid foods. Hand, foot, and mouth disease may lead to complications such as myocarditis, encephalitis, meningitis, and flaccid paralysis, so close attention should be paid to changes in the condition.