Question

Can children with hand, foot, and mouth disease take a bath?

Answer

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is an infectious disease caused by enteroviruses, commonly leading to blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth, accompanied by fever. Generally speaking, without complications, the disease can heal in about 7 days. Patients can take a bath and should drink plenty of water. They can also take oral medications such as vitamin C, vitamin B2, ribavirin, and Shuanghuanglian. Before and after meals, they can use physiological saline to wipe their bodies. Children with ulcers in the mouth can use medications like Shuangxia Shuanghuang powder spray, Montmorillonite powder, Tin powder, or Bingping powder. In the early stages of the rash, calamine lotion can be used. When there are blisters or ulcers, 0.5% iodophor can be applied, and it is important to keep the skin clean to prevent infection.