HAND-FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

This disease is caused by the Coxsackievirus. These viruses are usually transmitted via the oral-oral or fecal-oral route and are highly contagious.

The symptoms include ulcerative oral lesions and extremely painful cutaneous lesions on the hands and feet.  Occasionally these lesions are asymptomatic. The child will often refuse to eat because of the pain in the mouth. The rash may persist for months but, generally, there are others in the family or daycare with similar symptoms.  Parents usually only exhibit the rash on their hands.

A prodrome is present with this condition and usually occurs 12 hours to one day prior to the rash.  Symptoms include: low grade fever, malaise, abdominal pain, respiratory symptoms and sore throat.  The condition would need to be differentiated from Herpes simplex, Aphthous stomatitis, Herpangina and Erythema multiforme major, but its classic pattern generally aids in the final diagnosis.

In managing this disease, it is best to start viral, immune and pain support as soon as possible Herbs that may be useful are:  Glycyrrhiza glabra, Melissa officinalis, Echinacea angustifolia, Usnea, Astragalus membraneou and, Allium sativa (Garlic).  Start immune supporting vitamins such as: Vitamin C, Zinc and Bioflavonoids.  For the pain, herbal popsicles can be given to sooth mouth blisters, with chamomile, licorice and melissa. Herbal foot/hand soaks to dry up blisters and heal skin will also be beneficial. Topical dyclonine HCl or lidocaine gel could be considered to help reduce oral discomfort so that the child can eat.

• Stay HYDRATED.
• Do not give children asprin.
• Infectious until blisters are gone.  Limit contact with others.  Children should be excused from school until blisters are dry.
• Good hygiene is the best protection: wash hands with soap and water after going to the toilet, before eating, after wiping noses, and after changing nappies or soiled clothing.
• Avoid Sugars

Care should be taken in exposure to pregnant mothers because infection in first trimester of pregnancy may trigger a spontaneous abortion.

 

Naturopathic Womens Wellness
1295 Yellow Pine Ave. Boulder CO 80304
P: 303-545-2021  |  F: 303-545-2003
 |  Dr. Hillary Martin |  
 

References

1. Moses, S., MD. Hand Foot and Mouth Disease. Family Practice Notebook. Retrieved 5/2/04 from the World Wide Web: http://fpnotebook.com.
2. Roberts, S.M., ND. Naturopathic Pediatric Essentials. Wenatchee, WA. Healing Mountain Publishing, Inc.
3. Toida M, Watanabe F, Goto K, Shibata T. Usefulness of low-level laser for control of painful stomatitis in patients with hand-foot-and-mouth disease. J Clin Laser Med Surg. 2003 Dec;21(6):363-7.
4. Frydenberg A, Starr M. Hand, foot and mouth disease. Aust Fam Physician. 2003 Aug;32(8):594-5.