Can Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Be Treated?

Question

A child has recently contracted hand, foot, and mouth disease and is currently at home recovering and not attending school. How should treatment be conducted?

Answer

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a self-limiting condition. Without complications, it usually resolves on its own within about a week. Treatment can include oral antiviral medications and fever-reducing drugs. Keep the rashes on the hands and feet clean to prevent infection. Pay attention to a mild diet and avoid consuming irritating foods for oral sores. To prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease, emphasize personal hygiene, maintain oral cleanliness to prevent secondary bacterial infection, and rinse with warm water after meals. Also, ensure good indoor air circulation, maintain an appropriate temperature, encourage drinking of water or cool drinks, consume fresh vegetables and fruits more often, and thoroughly clean children’s toys and other items. During the outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease, parents should try to minimize their child’s exposure to crowded public places to reduce the risk of infection.