20 Home Remedies for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a contagious viral disease that affects children under the age of ten. It is caused by the coxsackie virus. The virus spreads through contact with unwashed hands, surfaces contaminated with faeces, an infected person’s stool or respiratory fluids. The symptoms of this disease include fever, sore throat, tiredness, painful ulcers, sores on the inside of the mouth and tongue, and blisters or rashes on the hands, feet, buttocks, elbows, and on the back of the knees. This disease is self-limiting and goes away on its own within a week to ten days. It cannot be prevented by a vaccine or cured with medication. So, how to treat hand, foot and mouth disease? There are some home remedies that can help your child tackle the symptoms of this disease. Once your child heals, the chances of him contracting this disease will be rare, as his body will have developed immunity against this virus.

Natural Home Remedies to Treat Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in a Child

Some home remedies to treat hand, foot, and mouth disease are mentioned below:

1. Tender Coconut Water

Coconut water cools the body and is gentle on the stomach. It contains a wide range of vitamins, minerals, electrolytes and antioxidants. It also contains lauric acid, which fights viruses. Giving coconut water to a child with HFMD can provide him relief from the pain in his mouth and keep his body hydrated. You can also freeze coconut water and have your child chew on the frozen cubes to reduce the pain caused by mouth sores.

2. Oil Pulling

This is an old Ayurvedic method for maintaining good oral hygiene. It also helps soothe the mouth sores caused by HFMD. Take a tablespoon of any oil such as peanut, sesame or coconut, and ask your child to swish it around in his mouth for 5 to 10 minutes and then spit it out. Make sure that he does not swallow the oil after swishing.

Please Note: This remedy is suitable only for children above 2 years of age.

3. Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil contains Vitamins A, D, and E. It boosts body immunity and has antimicrobial properties. It is a good remedy for HFMD. It can be given to a child in the form of capsules or by mixing the oil in a juice or yoghurt.

4. Echinacea

Echinacea is a herb that belongs to the daisy family. It has antimicrobial properties. This herb boosts the immune system and reduces the symptoms of fever, cold, and other infections like HFMD. Echinacea can be consumed in the form of capsules or by boiling its leaves in water to make tea and adding honey to it.

5. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is a very good disinfectant and fights viruses. It also has calming and relaxing properties and can help your child sleep better. You can add a few drops of lavender oil in the bath water of your child or diffuse it in his room with an essential oil diffuser.

6. Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is another disinfectant. You can add a few drops of this oil to your child’s body wash to help him fight the virus and nourish his skin. You can also mix a few drops in a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and apply it on the rashes.

7. Liquorice Root

Liquorice root has antiviral and antimicrobial properties and has been used as a home remedy and in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries for treating various viral and microbial infections. It contains a chemical called triterpenoid that boosts immunity. It also forms a thin layer of mucous on the insides of the throat and oesophagus, thus helping to soothe blisters. Boil some liquorice roots in water, strain it to make tea and add honey to it, then give it to your child. However, use it with caution as an overdose of liquorice can be harmful to him.

8. Salt Water Rinse and Baths

Ask your child to rinse his mouth with warm salt water three to four times a day, as it will provide him relief from painful blisters and mouth sores. You can use common table salt for this or Himalayan pink salt. Pink salt is more effective because it balances the pH level inside the mouth. Also, adding Epsom salts to his bath water can soothe the rashes on the body and help a child heal faster from the HFMD symptoms. You can also add a few drops of lavender or lemon essential oil to the Epsom salt bath water, which can provide your child some relief.

Please Note: The mouth rinse remedy is suitable for big children only and NOT for babies and toddlers. For saltwater baths, please consult your doctor first to rule out the chances of any allergy.

9. Garlic

Garlic has strong antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiangiogenic properties that are known to treat several infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, allergies, and autoimmune diseases. It contains high levels of sulphur compounds. You can include garlic in your food, give it to your child in the form of capsules, or make a herbal tea by boiling 3 cloves of garlic in water and letting him drink it once it cools.

10. Elderberry

Elderberry is well known for its antioxidant properties that boost immunity and help improve resistance to diseases. It helps the body produce mucous to fight viruses. It increases the body’s temperature slightly, thus making it difficult for viruses to multiply and grow. Make an elderberry and honey syrup and give it to your little one frequently to help him heal faster from HFMD.

11. Ginger

Ginger contains several antiviral chemicals. It also has sedative and pain-relieving effects. Make ginger root tea by simmering crushed, chopped ginger in water until the water is concentrated with ginger juice. Cool this and give it to your child with honey.

12. Astralagus

Astralagus is a plant of the legume family and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. It is known for its immune-system-boosting properties. It stops viruses from multiplying in the body. You can buy astralagus ointments for topical application. You can also buy astralagus tea bags or make your own by simmering a teaspoon of grated astralagus root in water. Strain this and give this drink to your child after adding honey to soothe the symptoms of HFMD.

13. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that promote oral health. You can apply coconut oil to the parts of your child’s skin where he has rashes or blisters, and soon, they will disappear as coconut oil helps in smoothening the area and reduce itching. A 2016 research published in the Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry found that coconut oil is as effective as chlorhexidine (a solution used to cleanse the skin and mouth of bacteria) in the reduction of Streptococcus mutans, which is the predominant microorganism found in dental plaque.

14. Indian Lilac or Neem

Neem or Indian Lilac has several antimicrobial properties and has been used to treat viral diseases for hundreds of years. You can apply neem oil to the rashes on your child’s body. You can also powder-dried neem leaves and make a paste of it with water. Apply this paste to the rashes and blisters for quick healing. You can even use neem oil combined with coconut oil or aloe vera gel, or a few drops of lavender oil for topical application.

15. Gooseberry

The Indian gooseberry or amla is rich in Vitamin C, an important vitamin necessary for immunity. It helps purify the blood and aids in digestion. Amla can be consumed in the form of juice. You can even give it to your child by making a powder from dried gooseberries and adding it to water. It can also be consumed in the form of fresh juice with mint and a little honey, though it may get difficult for babies to ingest it due to its sour and bitter taste.

Please Note: Honey must not be given to babies under the age of 1 as it can cause Listeria.

16. Pomegranate

Pomegranate contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds which help soothe the symptoms of HFMD. Let your child drink pomegranate juice or eat the fleshy seeds for quicker healing. You can also add a little black salt to it.

17. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains Vitamins B and C. It also contains a chemical called inulin which increases the white blood cell (WBC) count. WBCs help fight viruses in our bodies. Mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in warm water and ask your child to gargle with it to soothe his throat. Remember to monitor your child when he is doing this process.

18. Calendula

Calendula is a herb belonging to the marigold family. These plants have antibacterial and antiviral properties. They also lower inflammation, quicken healing, and help maintain oral health. You can make tea from calendula petals, add honey to it, and give it to your child. You can also use calendula cream mixed in aloe vera gel or any other moisturising base to apply over the rashes to soothe them.

19. Holy Basil or Tulsi

Tulsi is a herb that has several medicinal properties. It fights harmful microbes, reduces inflammation, and provides relief from pain. Let your child chew on tulsi leaves, or make a juice of the leaves, dilute it with water, and ask him to drink it a few times a day for faster relief from HFMD.

20. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also increases immunity. Aloe vera contains minerals, vitamins, and several other compounds that are beneficial for the skin. Apply aloe vera gel to the rashes and blisters for soothing relief. You can even give aloe vera juice to your kid to help him heal faster from HFMD.

How to Prevent Catching Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

Practising good hygiene goes a long way in keeping diseases at bay, and it’s the strongest defence your child can have against this disease too. Make sure your child washes his hands regularly and thoroughly with antibacterial soap, especially after he comes into contact with surfaces that can have germs on them. Your child should wash his hands before and after every meal, after playing outside, and mainly after using the washroom. It’s also equally important to keep your surroundings clean. Disinfect any area that your child regularly uses, especially if it’s a shared space. Similarly, make sure things like toys or pacifiers (things that your child can put into his mouth) are definitely cleaned and disinfected.

When to Seek Medical Help?

In most cases, hand, foot, and mouth illness usually clears up within a week. But if your little one is still feeling unwell after ten days, it is ideal to reach out to their paediatrician.

If you notice any of the following signs in your child, you should certainly get in touch with the doctor:

1. Your child isn’t drinking enough to stay properly hydrated
2. Your child’s immune system is weakened or compromised
3. The symptoms are really severe
4. If your child is quite young, especially if they’re just six months or younger

It’s always better to be safe and make sure your child gets the care they need.

FAQs

1. Will Honey Help to Treat Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

Honey has been in use for the treatment of infected wounds for as long as 2,000 years, even before bacteria were discovered. Its antibacterial properties can help in treating the wounds from hand, foot, and mouth disease.

2. Which Ointment is Good for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

You could try using some 1% hydrocortisone ointment from the store, which might make things better for you. For a more natural approach, you can also apply things like petroleum jelly or zinc oxide ointment on the blisters at home – they could help speed up the healing process. However, it is best recommended to consult a doctor before treating your child with any medication.

3. What Will Be the Quarantine Period of HFMD?

Three to six days is the usual quarantine period for people dealing with hand, foot, and mouth disease, including children.

The symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease can make children very uncomfortable and irritable. The rashes and blisters can be very painful for the little ones. So, try these home remedies to soothe the symptoms and make your child as comfortable as possible.

References/Resources:

1. Prevent Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease; CDC; https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/about/prevention.html

2. Peedikayil. F. C, Sreenivasan. P, Narayanan. A; Effect of coconut oil in plaque related gingivitis – A preliminary report; Nigerian Medical Journal; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4382606/; March-April 2015

3. Astragalus; NIH; https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/astragalus

4. Peedikayil. F. C, Remy. V, John. S, Chandru TP, et al.; Comparison of antibacterial efficacy of coconut oil and chlorhexidine on Streptococcus mutans: An in vivo study; The Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5109859/; September-October 2016

5. How Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Spreads; CDC; https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/about/transmission.html

6. Gbinigie. O, Onakpoya. I, Spencer. E, et al.; Effect of oil pulling in promoting oro dental hygiene: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials; Complement Ther Med.; PubMed; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27261981/; June 2016

7. Silva. G. L, Luft. C, Lunardelli. A, et al.; Antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of lavender essential oil; An Acad Bras Cienc.; PubMed; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26247152/; August 2015

8. Guerra. A. M, Orille. E, Waseem. M; Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease; In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; NIH; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431082/

9. Gakuya. D. W, Mulei. C. M, Wekesa. S. B; Use of ethnoveterinary remedies in the management of foot and mouth disease lesions in a diary herd; Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med.; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252696/; 2011

10. Arreola. R, Quintero-Fabián. S, López-Roa. R. I, et al.; Immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory effects of garlic compounds; Journal of Immunology Research; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4417560/; 2015

11. Wang. L, Yang. R, Yuan. B, Liu. Y, Liu. C; The antiviral and antimicrobial activities of licorice, a widely-used Chinese herb; Acta Pharm Sin B.; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4629407/; July 2015

12. Vázquez. B, Avila. G, Segura. D, Escalante. B; Antiinflammatory activity of extracts from Aloe vera gel; J Ethnopharmacol.; PubMed; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9121170/; December 1996

Also Read:

Home Remedies for Fever in Children
Effective Home Treatments for Chickenpox
Natural Remedies for Cold and Flu in Babies & Kids
Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers in Babies & Children