What is the course of the hand-mouth-foot disease?
The disease usually starts like a typical cold. Those affected develop a fever and sore throat, as well as a loss of appetite. A general feeling of illness occurs.
On the second day, those affected complain of pain in the mouth. This is caused by a spotty red rash with blisters that appear on the tongue, the oral mucosa and the gums. Some of these blisters can develop into small ulcers, so-called ulcers, and thus increase the pain.
One or two days later, a vesicular rash also develops on the soles of the hands and feet, but this is mostly painless and does not itch. The rash can also affect other parts of the body. Relatively common are rashes in the back of the knee, on the elbow, on the buttocks and in the genital area.
The disease usually heals within about a week without medical help. There is a risk of infection throughout the entire disease and sometimes for several weeks afterwards. Severe courses are very rare and can include meningitis or paralysis.
Therapy
There is no specific therapy in the treatment of hand-mouth-foot disease. Since the disease usually progresses very mildly, it can only be treated symptomatically, for example to treat the pain when eating and drinking due to the wounds that have developed in the mouth. There are no regular vaccines to prevent the hand-mouth-foot disease.
However, vaccines are currently being developed for the Western Pacific region, especially to prevent the disease from developing from Enterovirus 71. Since no specific therapy is available, those affected can only relieve the symptoms. This can also be achieved with classic home remedies.
Cold compresses can help against fever, as they lower the body temperature. Soothing teas, such as chamomile, can help against sore throats. Home remedies can also be used for itchy rashes.
Quark, for example, can have a cooling and soothing effect on the skin. However, a doctor should be consulted if the fever is high. Since there is no specific therapy for hand-mouth-foot disease, many parents want to try homeopathic treatment.
The following remedies are recommended on relevant Internet sites. The Globulis Mercurius Solubilis are supposed to weaken the pain in the mouth and stimulate the production of saliva. Antimonium Tartaricum is said to lower fever. Borax should improve sore throat. In case of strong pain or high fever, however, a doctor should always be consulted, who can help the child with medication.
