Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness, frequently observed in children, but it can also affect adults. It is characterized by painful blisters on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth. This article provides strategies for managing the discomfort and caring for HFMD blisters.
Managing Discomfort at Home
Managing HFMD discomfort involves addressing general symptoms like pain and fever. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce fever and alleviate pain from mouth sores and overall body discomfort. Follow age-appropriate dosages and avoid giving aspirin to children due to Reye’s syndrome risk.
Hydration is important, as painful mouth sores can make drinking difficult, leading to dehydration. Offer cool fluids frequently in small sips, such as water, milk, or electrolyte solutions. Popsicles and ice chips can provide a soothing effect and encourage fluid intake. Avoid acidic drinks like fruit juice or soda, as they can irritate sores.
Dietary adjustments can also help; prioritize soft, bland foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies. Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods, as these can exacerbate mouth pain. Adequate rest is also important, allowing the body to conserve energy and focus on recovery.
Caring for Blisters
Care for HFMD blisters focuses on keeping them clean and preventing irritation or infection. For oral blisters, rinsing the mouth with warm salt water or a baking soda solution can help alleviate pain and promote healing, particularly for older children and adults.
Keep skin blisters on the hands and feet clean and dry. Gently wash the skin with mild soap and water, then pat it dry. Avoid picking, scratching, or popping the blisters, as this can increase the risk of bacterial infection and may lead to scarring.
If a blister ruptures, keep it clean to prevent infection. Topical soothing lotions, such as calamine lotion, may offer relief for skin irritation, but it’s important to ensure they are safe and appropriate for use.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease often resolves on its own, certain symptoms warrant medical consultation. Signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination, dry mouth, a lack of tears, or unusual lethargy, indicate a need for professional assessment. Persistent high fever, especially if it lasts more than three days, or a fever with shivers, should also prompt a medical visit.
Seek medical attention if severe pain is not alleviated by home care, or if blisters show signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus. Other concerning symptoms include a stiff neck, severe headache, unusual drowsiness, or changes in mental state. If symptoms worsen or do not improve after 7 to 10 days, or if the affected individual is a very young infant or has a compromised immune system, medical advice is important.
Preventing Transmission
Preventing the spread of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is important due to its highly contagious nature. Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the most effective measures, especially after using the restroom, changing diapers, or before eating. Helping children wash their hands properly is also important.
Regular cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces and shared items, such as toys, doorknobs, and countertops, can reduce the virus in the environment. This is relevant in households with multiple individuals or in group settings like daycares.
Limiting close personal contact with an infected individual, including avoiding sharing utensils, cups, and direct physical contact like hugging or kissing, helps to prevent transmission. Infected individuals should remain home from school or daycare while unwell and feverish, even though the virus can be shed for weeks after symptoms resolve.