Get treatment tips for HFMD symptoms. Urgent care near you open 7 days a week with walk-ins welcome for urgent care needs.

In Indian Trail, NC, parks like Crooked Creek Park and Chestnut Square Park offer fun playgrounds for families. Ensure proper hygiene by washing hands regularly to help prevent the spread of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) during playtime.

If your child or someone in your household has been diagnosed with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), you’re probably wondering what you can do to treat it and make them more comfortable. Although HFMD is a viral illness that usually resolves on its own, there are several steps you can take at home to alleviate symptoms and support recovery.

Learn about the treatment options for HFMD, including remedies for common symptoms like fever, mouth sores, and rashes, as well as when to seek medical attention from our urgent care clinic in Indian Trail, NC.

Visit AFC Indian Trail today.

Is There a Specific Cure for HMFD?

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that HFMD is caused by a virus, and there is no specific antiviral treatment to cure it. Like other viral infections, HFMD must run its course, which typically takes about 7 to 10 days. However, while there’s no quick fix, there are many ways you can help manage the symptoms and prevent complications.

How Do I Treat My Fever?

One of the first symptoms of HFMD is a fever, which can last for a few days. Reducing a fever can help the patient feel more comfortable and prevent further discomfort. You can manage a fever using over-the-counter medications like:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): This is commonly used to reduce fever and relieve pain. It’s safe for most children and adults but be sure to follow the dosage instructions.
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Ibuprofen can also reduce fever and alleviate pain. However, it should not be given to children under six months old, and it should always be taken with food to avoid stomach irritation.

Remember that fever is a natural part of the body’s immune response to fight off the virus, so while you may want to reduce the fever for comfort, it’s not always necessary to bring it down entirely unless it’s causing significant discomfort.

How Do I Manage My Mouth Sores?

One of the most uncomfortable aspects of HFMD is the development of painful sores inside the mouth. These sores can make it difficult for children (and adults) to eat and drink, leading to the risk of dehydration. Here’s how you can help soothe mouth sores:

• Offer Cold Fluids: Drinking cold water, milk, or eating ice pops can provide relief from mouth pain and help keep your child hydrated.
• Avoid acidic or spicy foods, as these can irritate the sores.
• Pain Relief Gel: Over-the-counter oral gels or mouth rinses that numb the sores may provide temporary relief, making it easier to eat or drink.
• Soft Foods: Encourage soft, bland foods that are easier to chew and swallow, such as yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.
• Encourage frequent sips of water or cold beverages throughout the day to prevent dehydration, especially if your child is reluctant to eat due to mouth pain.

How Do I Soothe My Rash and Blisters?

The rash that appears on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks can be uncomfortable, especially if blisters develop. While the rash is usually not itchy, you can take the following steps to help soothe irritated skin:

• Cool Baths: A cool bath can help reduce discomfort and soothe the rash. Be sure to pat the skin dry gently afterward to avoid irritating the blisters.
• Keep the Skin Clean: Keeping the skin clean and dry is important to prevent blisters from becoming infected. If blisters do burst, clean the area with mild soap and water and cover it with a bandage to prevent further irritation.
• Calamine Lotion or Moisturizer: Applying calamine lotion or an unscented moisturizer can help soothe irritated skin and prevent dryness.

Be sure to monitor the rash closely. If the blisters become red, swollen, or infected, it’s important to visit our urgent care clinic for help as this could indicate a bacterial infection.

How Important is Hydration?

One of the biggest concerns with HFMD, especially for young children, is the risk of dehydration. The painful mouth sores can make it difficult for them to drink enough fluids. Here are some tips to encourage hydration:

• Offer small sips of water frequently throughout the day.
• Provide cold beverages or ice pops to soothe the mouth while keeping them hydrated.
• Avoid sugary or carbonated drinks, as these can irritate mouth sores.
• Watch for signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet diapers, dry mouth, or lethargy. If you suspect dehydration, it’s important to seek urgent care immediately.

When Should I Visit AFC Indian Trail?

While most cases of HFMD can be managed at home, there are situations where medical attention is necessary. You should visit our urgent care if:

• Your child’s fever lasts longer than 3 days.
• They show signs of dehydration (e.g., not urinating, dry mouth, lethargy).
• The rash becomes severely painful, looks infected, or spreads to unusual areas.
• Your child has difficulty breathing or swallowing.

HFMD usually resolves on its own within 7 to 10 days, but during that time, proper care and attention can go a long way in helping you feel more comfortable. Be sure to keep hydrated, manage your symptoms with over-the-counter medications, and have plenty of rest to support a speedy recovery.