Question
My child has been crying persistently lately and experiences recurring fever after an outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease. After medical examination, no clear results were obtained. I would like to know how to deal with the recurring fever associated with hand, foot, and mouth disease.
Answer
Patients with hand, foot, and mouth disease can take antiviral medications such as ribavirin or virucide, and can use traditional Chinese medicine for clearing heat and detoxification if accompanied by fever. Since hand, foot, and mouth disease may complicate with myocarditis, encephalitis, meningitis, and other symptoms, timely symptomatic treatment is necessary. The cause is complex. If a child is diagnosed with hand, foot, and mouth disease, parents should cooperate with the doctor’s treatment, implement gastrointestinal decompression, and develop good hygiene habits. Parents should also pay attention to their child’s balanced diet and avoid picky eating.