Diagnosis of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
A healthcare provider can diagnose hand, foot and mouth disease firstly by checking your child’s blisters. Occasionally, they will test for the virus by getting swab samples and sending it to the lab, or samples taken from blisters or stool (poop), to a lab.
If you suspect that your child has been exposed to the virus, inform your provider before scheduling an exam. To ensure it doesn’t spread to others, your provider may want to conduct a virtual visit and make treatment suggestions over the phone/computer.
Treatment for Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
There’s no medication for hand, foot and mouth disease. Antibiotics won’t work because it is a viral disease. Fortunately, symptoms of HFMD are typically mild. Most people get better within a week or two with minimal at-home care. Hand, foot and mouth disease treatment may include:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers for fever and pain, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®). Don’t give your child aspirin, which can cause Reye’s syndrome.
- Children who are old enough can try gargling with saltwater to reduce sore throat pain.
- Adults can get numbing spray or mouthwash recommendations from their doctor.
Other tips for at-home treatment include:
- Do not eat spicy or acidic foods that can make your mouth sores more painful. [5]
- Drink cold liquids. Warm and hot beverages may make your mouth sores more painful.
- Keep your child hydrated with cold liquids or ice pops.