A Complete Guide to Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Treatment | Hong Kong Editor's Patient Explanation

Hello everyone, today I'd like to share with you the treatment and care methods for hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). This disease is caused by enteroviruses, the most common of which are Coxsackievirus and enterovirus 71 (EV71). In Hong Kong, HFMD peaks in early summer and early autumn , with kindergartens and child care centers being particularly prone to outbreaks.

While most patients recover within a few days to a week, improper care can lead to serious complications such as viral meningitis, encephalitis, and myocarditis. Therefore, I will explain in detail how to safely manage this in Hong Kong.

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1. Treatment principles for hand, foot and mouth disease

There is no specific medicine for hand, foot and mouth disease, and antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, so treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, maintaining hydration, and preventing complications .

Treatment directions include:

• Antipyretic : Reduces discomfort caused by high fever.
• Pain Relief : Relieves mouth ulcers and sore throats.
• Prevent dehydration : Because of oral pain, patients may not want to drink water or eat.
• Monitor the condition : especially in children, pay attention to any neurological symptoms.

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2. Supportive treatment recommended by the medical community

2.1 Relieve fever and pain

• Safe medications : Paracetamol (Panadol) or Ibuprofen (as directed by a doctor).
• Avoid medications : Indiscriminate use of aspirin is not recommended as it may cause Reye's syndrome.

Editor’s Tip : When buying antipyretics at Hong Kong pharmacies, be sure to check the ingredients and dosage carefully, especially when it comes to children.

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2.2 Oral ulcer care

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water (if your child knows how to rinse).
• Eat soft, light, easy-to-swallow foods, such as porridge and steamed eggs.
• Avoid eating spicy, sour, hot, or hard foods to avoid irritating the ulcer.

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2.3 Preventing dehydration

• Drink water in small sips frequently . You can choose room temperature water, light soup, or diluted juice.
• If your child refuses to drink water, you can use ice cubes, jelly, or popsicles to help replenish water.
• Severe dehydration requires hospitalization and intravenous fluid infusion (IV Drip) .

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2.4 Monitoring critical illness alerts

According to the Hong Kong Department of Health, the following situations require immediate hospitalization :

• High fever lasting more than 3 days
• Headache, stiff neck
• Drowsiness, convulsions, confusion
• Persistent vomiting and difficulty breathing
• Weakness in limbs and unsteady walking

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3. Hong Kong pediatric outpatient clinic and hospital treatment

• Patients with mild symptoms can usually be cared for at home. Doctors will prescribe antipyretics and painkillers and teach parents to monitor the condition.
• Moderate to severe cases : patients will be hospitalized for observation, especially those with abnormal neurological or cardiopulmonary function.
• The hospital will provide:
  • Intravenous fluid rehydration
  • fever-reducing and pain-relieving drugs
  • Monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen
  • Arrange brain examination if necessary (if encephalitis is suspected)

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4. Home care and infection prevention

Hand, foot and mouth disease is highly contagious and the virus can be transmitted through droplets, contact with patient secretions or contaminated objects .

Home protection tips:

1. Wash your hands frequently, especially after using the toilet, handling diapers, and before eating.
2. Patients should avoid going to school or returning to work until symptoms subside and the blisters dry up.
3. Clean toys, door handles, and tabletops regularly with diluted bleach.
4. Tableware and towels used by patients should be handled separately.

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5. Editor’s Summary

While hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is not fatal for most people, it can progress rapidly in children, especially those under five. Hong Kong has extensive medical resources, and as long as parents monitor symptoms and seek medical attention early, most patients can fully recover.

Warm advice from the editor : Don’t assume that you’re safe just because your fever has subsided. The virus can still be transmitted through secretions, so maintain good hygiene habits after recovery to avoid cross-infection.

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⚠️ Disclaimer <br>This article is for reference only and does not constitute any medical advice. The source is referenced from major medical articles.