Symptoms and Treatment of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Question

What are the symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease, and how should medication be administered?

Answer

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is an infectious disease caused by several enteroviruses, primarily affecting children under the age of 5. The symptoms include the appearance of millet-sized grayish white blisters or red papules in the oral cavity, on the palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. Currently, there is no specific medication for hand, foot, and mouth disease; treatment mainly involves necessary symptomatic therapy and enhanced care of the child. During the feverish period, children should rest more, drink plenty of water, eat soft and easily digestible foods, and consume fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins. The child’s skin and hands and feet should be cleaned frequently, and nails should be kept short. The child’s clothes and bedding should be kept clean; children should not scratch their rash to prevent infection and abscesses. For broken blisters, gentian purple can be applied. Toys and feces of the child should be disinfected. Feverish children can take antipyretics, vitamin C, and traditional Chinese medicine with antiviral properties such as Platycodon grandiflorus and Isatis indigotica. They can also take Chinese patent medicines for clearing heat and detoxification, such as Qingwen Jiedu Pill. With proper care, even without medication, the condition can heal spontaneously.