Advice on the treatment of hand-foot-mouth virus in children

The hand-foot-mouth virus is normally given in pre-school children ( is more common in children between 6 months and 5 years). It is a very contagious viral disease that is characterized by a high fever, and produces bullous lesions in the mouth, palms and soles of the feet. Pediatrician Rebecca Ord

The hand-foot-mouth virus is normally given in pre-school children (is more common in children between 6 months and 5 years). It is a very contagious viral disease that is characterized by a high fever, and produces bullous lesions in the mouth, palms and soles of the feet.

Pediatrician Rebecca Ordovás gives us some advice on the treatment of hand-foot-mouth virus in children and babies. Being a virus, there are no more possibilities than the relief of symptoms and care of your diet.

Feeding the child suffering from the hand-foot-mouth virus

It is normal for a child with hand-foot-mouth disease to not want to eat. The important thing is to keep him hydrated. As the wounds and sores of the mouth cause rejection of food (because they hurt and sting), we should give food of this type: -

Cold or weather foods , that will not gobble. You can come well ice cream and liquefied foods.-

Avoid acidic foods like oranges or lemons. -

Do not give them rough food like hard bread or toast, because it will cost chewing. Anyway, the most normal thing is that during the time that this disease lasts, the child will eat less, and we should not worry too much. The most important thing is always to keep the child well hydrated.

Duration and treatment of hand-foot-mouth virus in children

The duration of hand-foot-mouth disease in infants and children varies.

The period of maximum contagion is from just before the onset of symptoms until the child begins to feel better. It may last about a week, although the contagion may continue for a few more weeks. It is recommended

not to take the child to the nursery or kindergarten during the period of maximum contagion , that is, during the first week of illness. Afterwards, you can take school without problems. Remember that the best way to avoid the spread of this viral disease is to maintain good hygiene. Do not forget to wash your hands very well whenever you change your child's diaper, feed him or help him sound.