How Do You Recognize And Treat Hand, Foot, And Mouth Disease?
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of the disease. Look for the following: • Overall feeling of unhealthiness. • Fever. • Loss of appetite. • Sore throat. • Painful sores in the mouth. • A rash that develops on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet (may also appear on the bottom and/or genital area). • Be aware that a person may have the rash minus the blisters, or vice versa. Know the treatment for the disease. While there is no treatment for the disease, there are things you can do to relieve the symptoms of the infection. This includes: • Antipyretics (drugs that reduce fevers) can be used. • Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or other over-the-counter medication can be used to reduce pain. • Mouthwashes or sprays with numbing agents can be used to help eliminate a painful sore throat. • Frequent fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
