hand foot mouth disease

Question

Last week, my two-year-old nephew was diagnosed with hand foot mouth disease (HFMD), and it has been really difficult for him and my sister. The doctor said it’s a viral infection, and there is no specific treatment, so we just have to let it run its course. But my nephew is miserable—he has painful mouth sores that make it nearly impossible for him to eat or drink anything, and he keeps scratching at the itchy rashes on his hands and feet.

It started with a mild fever, and we didn’t think much of it at first. But then he developed red spots on his hands, feet, and around his mouth. By the next day, those spots turned into blisters, and he kept crying because they were itchy and painful. He also refuses to eat, probably because the ulcers inside his mouth hurt too much. He’s drooling more than usual, and every time he tries to drink something, he winces in pain.

We have been giving him fluids and trying to get him to eat soft foods, but he is so uncomfortable that he barely sleeps. His fever lasted for three days, and even though it’s gone now, he still feels weak, irritable, and uncomfortable. The doctor said HFMD should clear up within 7-10 days, but we just hate seeing him suffer like this.

That’s when I started researching Ayurveda for viral infections, and I read that there are cooling herbs like Neem, Sandalwood, and Aloe Vera that might help reduce itching and inflammation from the rash. Some people also mentioned turmeric and honey for the mouth sores. But I don’t know the right way to use these for a child. Can they be applied directly, or should they be taken internally?

Can Ayurveda help a child recover faster from hand foot mouth disease? Are there natural remedies to soothe the rashes, heal the mouth sores, and improve his overall comfort? Also, are there any immune-boosting foods or herbs that might help prevent HFMD in the future, especially since it seems to spread in daycare settings? If anyone has tried Ayurvedic treatments for hand foot mouth disease, I would really appreciate hearing what worked for you.

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

I'm really sorry to hear about your nephew’s struggle with HFMD—it can be incredibly challenging to watch a little one go through something so uncomfortable. Ayurveda can indeed offer some relief, especially for soothing symptoms and boosting his immunity as his body works through the infection.

For the painful mouth sores, Ayurveda has some effective remedies. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, which can help soothe the sores. A small amount of turmeric powder can be mixed with a little honey (for children over the age of 1) and applied to the mouth sores. This can help reduce pain and speed up healing. For soothing the rashes on the hands and feet, cooling herbs like Aloe Vera and Sandalwood are often used. Aloe Vera gel can be applied directly to the rash to reduce itching and inflammation. You can also make a gentle Neem paste with water and apply it to the skin, as Neem has antibacterial properties and can help alleviate itching. Be sure to do a patch test first to check for any allergic reactions, as children's skin can be sensitive.

For overall immune support, Tulsi (Holy Basil) is an excellent herb that helps to strengthen immunity and reduce inflammation. You can prepare a mild Tulsi tea (just steeping a few leaves in warm water) and give him small sips. It’s also safe and effective for children when given in moderation. Another great herb is Giloy (Guduchi), which is known to boost immunity and detoxify the body. However, with younger children, it's best to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner to get the right dosage. A ginger-honey mixture (for children over 1 year) can also be soothing and help improve appetite.

In terms of diet, keeping his fluids up is key, as dehydration can be a concern with HFMD due to mouth sores and fever. Offering soft, cool foods like mashed bananas, applesauce, or even chilled coconut water can be soothing and easy for him to consume. Coconut water is cooling and replenishes lost electrolytes. Avoid anything too acidic (like citrus), as it might irritate his sores further. You can also try offering plain yogurt for its soothing properties and its ability to promote gut health, which is important for recovery.

Finally, for prevention in the future, maintaining strong immune function is important, especially since HFMD is highly contagious. Regularly including immune-boosting foods like garlic, ginger, fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices like turmeric in his diet will help keep his body strong. Proper hygiene and avoiding close contact with others who are infected are also key, especially in daycare settings where the virus can spread easily.

Please remember to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner to get a personalized treatment plan for your nephew, as they can suggest the most appropriate herbs, dosages, and treatments based on his age and condition. Sending your nephew lots of healing wishes!

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

It’s really tough to see a little one go through the discomfort of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), especially with the painful sores and rashes. Ayurveda can offer some supportive remedies to help alleviate discomfort and promote healing, though it’s important to consult a pediatric Ayurvedic practitioner for specific dosages and methods for children. Aloe Vera gel can be soothing for the rashes and applied topically to the affected areas. Neem is known for its cooling and antimicrobial properties, so using a neem-based ointment or a diluted neem wash can help reduce itching and inflammation, but it should be used cautiously and not applied to open sores. Turmeric mixed with honey (for older children, as honey isn't recommended for those under 1) may help soothe mouth sores, as turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties. For improving overall comfort, you can also try offering Coconut water or buttermilk, which are hydrating and cooling, to soothe the digestive system and support recovery. For future prevention, boosting immunity through foods like fresh fruits and vegetables (especially those rich in Vitamin C, such as citrus and berries), ginger, and Garlic can strengthen the immune system. In Ayurveda, it’s also important to avoid overly heavy or irritating foods during illness, so focusing on easily digestible meals like khichdi or dal soup may help your nephew regain strength. For emotional comfort, maintaining a calm, peaceful environment is key, as children can pick up on stress. While Ayurveda can support the process, make sure to follow your doctor’s advice and continue monitoring his symptoms.

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