The epidemiology of Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease:
- Considered a mild virus
- Highly contagious
- Nasal and oral secretions, respiratory secretions, fluid from blisters, fecal
- Common in child care setting
- Prevalent in summer and fall
- Most common in children under 5
- Incubation period 3-6 days, usually fever is the first sign
- Virus can remain in body for weeks after symptoms subside
What are the symptoms of hand, foot & mouth disease?
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50% asymptomatic
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Flu-like symptoms may precede (fever, sore throat, malaise, irritability, loss of appetite)
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Lesions on hand, foot, mouth, and buttocks
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Usually football shaped and located on tongue, palmar aspect of hands and soles
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Not grouped, scattered with erythematous base
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What is the Naturopathic Treatment for hand, foot & mouth disease?
- Tea: calendula, chamomile, hydrastis, glycerrhiza
- Tincture: berberis, echinacea, hydrastis, all in glycerite form to avoid injuring mucosa further
- Vitamin A drops 10,000IU for 1-3 days
- Vitamin C powder
- Elderberry syrup
- Arabinogalactan
What is the homeopathic Treatment for hand, foot & mouth disease?
A few options:
- Mercurius: ulcers on palate with burning pains
- Kali-bi: ulcers look like punched out circumscribed lesions
- Nitric Ac: ulcers on palate w/ sharp, splinter like pains on tonsils and pharynx
When should to seek more medical care with hand, foot * mouth disease.
- Sores prevent your child from eating or drinking
- Symptoms worsen after a few days
- Can evolve into viral meningitis, caution if neck becomes sore or stiff
Best practices to prevent hand, foot & mouth disease.
- Frequent hand-washing and avoiding close contact with infected
- Disinfect common areas
- Isolation of cantagious
Looking for a Naturopathic Pediatrician for your kiddo?
I invite you to book a free consult via this link, or drop into a weekly group Q&A session!
Dr. Lindsay
