Suggest Treatment For HFMD In A Child

Posted on Wed, 16 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 16 Sep 2015 Answered on

Wed, 7 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Doctor,
my 4 year kid attacked with Hand-Foot-Mouth disease while he is in day care yesterday
And he is feeling painful and unable to take any food as blisters in the mouth and rashes on hands and feet. Attaching few pictures of the same.
Please suggest some soothing ointments and basic medication to get through his condition faster. And suggest the diet as well.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Suggestionson Hand Foot Mouth Disease

Detailed Answer:
Hi...I feel by what you quote he should be having a - Hand Foot Mouth disease (HFMD). The images are also suggestive of HFMD.

This is one viral illness among all other exanthemas which can cause fever followed by rash over palms and soles. It is a self-limiting disorder and itching can be really worrisome.

I suggest you use any over the counter antihistamine if you have one with you now. You can use Hydroxyzine at 1-2mg/kg/dose (Maximum 10mg) every 6th to 8th hourly for 7 days.

Please do not use any ointment or emollient it will increase the spread of the disease to other areas of the body.

This can even cause some peeling of skin in the next 4-6 weeks and do not worry about it.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (11 minutes later)

Local doctor suggested to use Allegra Fexofenadine Hydrochloride Suspension tonic.

Is it same as Hydroxyzine?

Caladryl lotion is being used now? do u want us to stop using it? any other lotion suggested to stop itching?

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Do not use Caladryl - Hydroxyzine comes as Syrup Atarax

Detailed Answer:
Hi...

1. You can use Allegra in the dose the pediatrician has suggested. But Hydroxyzine comes as Syrup Atarax - You can give it at 3.5ml thrice a day - Instead of Allegra.

2. Do not use - Caladryl lotion.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (3 minutes later)

Any Suggestion on Diet please? He is unable to take food.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No restrictions on diet

Detailed Answer:
Hi..he is not taking any food because there will be oral ulcers too. As the name suggests - it is hand foot mouth disease.

You can apply ZYTEE gel for the oral ulcers 15-30 minutes before food so that the pain will get reduced and then the kid will have something to eat. You can apply this gel inside the mouth- even if the kid swallows it also no harm.

I wish your kid a speedy recovery. If you need any future medical consultation and suggestions, I will be glad to help. You can approach me at the following link. Please find the link below -
www.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-sumanth-amperayani/67696

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar