Homeopathy & Hand Foot
And Mouth Disease

by
Dr. Rashmi Pande of the Homeopathy and Bach Flower Wellness Centre

Hand foot and mouth disease is widely spread in Singapore, and is most common in children. Children below the age of five are the most prone to this disease because of their low immunity level. However this disease is not fatal and can be prevented.
What is HFMD?

Hand Foot mouth disease is a common disease of children and infants. It is characterised by:

• Fever
• Sore Throat
• Malaise
• Poor appetite
• Rash and Mouth Ulcers

One or two days after the onset of the fever, patients develop painful ulcers in the mouth. This usually starts as soreness, red spots that blister and then develops into ulcer. They are located on tongue, cheeks, mouth and gums. This kind of rash also appears on the palms and soles. Occasionally some children may also have a rash on their buttocks. There is no itching on the affected part.

What causes HFMD?

HFMD is most commonly caused by enterovirus called cosxackievirus A16. There are other enteroviruses such as enterovirus 71, echoviruses, which may also cause HFMD but these are rare.

How soon will one have symptoms after being infected?
The onset of symptoms is usually 3 – 7 days after infection.

Is HFMD contagious?

HFMD is moderately contagious; infection is spread from person to person through direct contact with nose and throat discharges. The infection is also spread through saliva and discharge from blisters or the stool of the infected person. A person is most infectious in the first week of illness.

Can HFMD be prevented?

There is no vaccine for this disease and so precautions should be taken. HFMD is moderately contagious and so it is advisable that necessary precautions should be taken.

Good hygienic practice is advisable. Your hands should be washed immediately after contact with an infected person. An infected child should be kept from attending school and appearing in public places until they are fully recovered. Keep other children away from toys, cutlery, pencils, clothes, towels and the infected patient’s other personal things.

HFMD is a mild disease and patients recover in 7-10 days without any medical treatment. Complications are rare.

Homeopathic Treatment?

• Homeopathy treats according to symptoms.
• It gives relief from pain and discomfort in a gentle way.
• Homeopathic medicines are sweet in nature and easily administered.
• Children like the medicine and take it willingly.
• Homeopathic medicines are highly effective.
• Children have good susceptibility and respond well to homeopathic medicine.
• Homeopathic medicines are prepared from natural sources and are administered in low quantities. Hence they do not have any side effects.

Homeopathic medicines like Ars alb, Belladona, Borax, Graphitis, Merc sol, Rhus tox, Nat-mur, Nitric acid, Silicia can be used according to their symptom similarity.

The child should be encouraged to take lots of fluids orally along with the homeopathic medicines. Someone suffering from this ailment usually has a low appetite and experiences pain when swallowing. Make sure that the child takes adequate amounts of fluids to reduce the chances of dehydration. Small quantities of diluted juice or barely water can be given at frequent intervals.