Question
The baby has been running a fever for the past few days and has developed many rashes again. The doctor said it’s hand, foot, and mouth disease. How should infant hand, foot, and mouth disease be treated?
Answer
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common infectious disease that typically resolves on its own with a good outcome after recovery. As it is a viral infection, there is currently no specific treatment method available. Treatment can only be implemented symptomatically, such as reducing fever, alleviating pain from oral ulcers, and managing other symptoms. Therefore, good care is very important. The methods of caring for the patient can be referred to as those for the common cold, strictly avoiding bursting blisters as they are highly contagious and bursting them can easily lead to secondary infections. General treatment includes antiviral therapy, such as taking ribavirin. Blisters on the hands and feet can be treated by applying calamine lotion and acyclovir ointment. If there is a fever, antipyretic medication can be taken.