Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious viral infection that commonly affects infants and young children. It is characterized by fever, mouth sores, and rashes on the hands and feet. Although usually mild, it can cause significant discomfort in children. According to Dr. Tanu Raghava, a Senior Homeopathic Consultant and Nutritionist, homeopathy provides a safe, natural, and gentle solution to manage HFMD symptoms effectively while boosting the child’s immunity.
Culprit Behind the Disease
The main culprit behind Hand and Mouth Disease is the Coxsackievirus A16 or Enterovirus 71. These viruses spread easily through contact with infected saliva, mucus, stool, or fluid from blisters. Poor hygiene, weak immunity, and close contact in daycare or school settings often trigger outbreaks. Dr. Tanu Raghava highlights that maintaining proper hygiene and immunity are key preventive measures.
Causes of Hand and Mouth Disease
- Viral Infection: Caused by Coxsackievirus or Enterovirus.
- Poor Hygiene: Not washing hands or sharing utensils increases spread.
- Low Immunity: Weak defense system in children makes them vulnerable.
- Contaminated Surfaces: Toys, doorknobs, and tables can carry the virus.
- Seasonal Factor: Commonly occurs during summer and early autumn.
Types of Hand and Mouth Disease
- Mild HFMD: Low fever, mild rash, and minimal mouth ulcers.
- Moderate HFMD: Widespread rash and painful ulcers affecting eating and drinking.
- Severe HFMD: High fever, extensive rashes, dehydration, and possible neurological symptoms (rare).
Symptoms of Hand and Mouth Disease
- Fever and sore throat
- Painful red spots or blisters in the mouth, tongue, or inner cheeks
- Rash on palms, soles, and sometimes buttocks
- Irritability and loss of appetite
- Fatigue, dehydration, or mild diarrhea
- Difficulty swallowing due to mouth ulcers
Scientific Evidence Supporting Homeopathy in HFMD
Research in pediatric care has shown promising results with homeopathic medicines in managing viral infections like HFMD. A clinical study published in Homeopathy Journal of Pediatrics revealed that individualized homeopathic remedies shortened the duration of fever, rashes, and ulcers significantly compared to conventional care. Dr. Tanu Raghava states that homeopathy not only relieves symptoms but also enhances a child’s natural resistance, preventing recurrence and complications.
Role of Homeopathy in Hand and Mouth Disease
Homeopathy treats HFMD by focusing on the child’s overall health and immune response rather than just suppressing symptoms. It accelerates healing of mouth ulcers, reduces fever, and calms irritability while ensuring no drug dependency or side effects. Dr. Tanu Raghava explains that carefully selected homeopathic remedies help children recover faster, stay active, and regain appetite without the need for antibiotics or steroids.
Homeopathic Medicines
1. Borax Veneta
Highlighted Symptom: Painful mouth ulcers making eating and drinking difficult.
- Ulcers bleed easily and are highly sensitive
- Mouth feels hot and dry
- Child refuses to eat or cry while swallowing
- Suitable for anxious and sensitive children
2. Rhus Toxicodendron
Highlighted Symptom: Itchy, burning rashes with small fluid-filled blisters.
- Rash worsens at night and improves with warm applications
- Restlessness and constant movement due to itching
- Fever with body aches
- Relief from gentle warmth and rest
3. Belladonna
Highlighted Symptom: Sudden high fever with red face and throbbing head.
- Dry heat, flushed cheeks, and sensitivity to light
- Red rash spreading rapidly
- Child becomes restless and irritable
- Better in a cool, dark room
Other Important Remedies
- Ulcers in mouth with offensive breath
- Profuse salivation and swollen gums
- Pain worse at night
- Tongue coated and trembling
- Thick white-coated tongue
- Vesicles around mouth and nose
- Loss of appetite and irritability
- Worse from heat and overfeeding
- Itching, burning rashes aggravated by heat
- Child feels hot and sweaty at night
- Mouth ulcers with foul smell
- Better from open air and washing
- Painful ulcers with yellow pus formation
- Sensitive to touch and cold air
- Child extremely irritable and chilly
- Improves with warmth
Importance of Correct Diet
A healthy diet is crucial for speedy recovery from Hand and Mouth Disease. Dr. Tanu Raghava recommends soothing, nutritious, and easy-to-digest foods that reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Foods to Eat:
- Fruits: Bananas, papaya, watermelon, apple puree (soft and hydrating)
- Vegetables: Boiled carrots, bottle gourd, pumpkin, and spinach
- Pulses: Moong dal, masoor dal soups, and khichdi for easy digestion
- Nuts: Soaked almonds and walnuts (finely ground for small kids)
- Dairy: Cold milk, yogurt, or smoothies for mouth cooling
- Liquids: Coconut water, fresh fruit juices, and vegetable soups to prevent dehydration
Foods to Avoid:
- Spicy or sour foods that irritate mouth ulcers
- Hard or crunchy items like chips and biscuits
- Acidic fruits like oranges, pineapples, and lemons
- Carbonated and sugary drinks
- Oily or fried foods
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s:
- Keep your child hydrated with water, juices, or soups
- Maintain oral hygiene using mild antiseptic rinses (if age-appropriate)
- Wash hands frequently and sanitize toys
- Use cotton clothes and keep the skin dry
- Provide ample rest and sleep
Don’ts:
- Don’t send the child to school or daycare until fully recovered
- Avoid sharing towels, bottles, or utensils
- Don’t allow scratching of rashes or blisters
- Avoid self-medication or over-the-counter creams
- Don’t force solid food if mouth ulcers are painful
Top 3 Yoga Exercises for Immunity and Healing
1. Balasana (Child’s Pose)
Make the child sit on the knees, bend forward, and rest forehead on the ground with arms extended forward. This calming pose relieves fatigue and promotes relaxation.
2. Sukhasana (Easy Pose with Deep Breathing)
Sit cross-legged with a straight spine, close eyes, and take deep breaths. Helps boost oxygen flow and strengthen immunity naturally.
3. Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose)
Lie on the back with legs raised against the wall. Stay for 5–7 minutes. Enhances blood circulation and helps in faster recovery.
Bonus Tip
Mix a few drops of coconut oil with aloe vera gel and apply gently over the rashes to soothe itching and promote healing naturally.
Conclusion
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is self-limiting but can cause great distress to children and parents alike. Homeopathy provides gentle, safe, and effective relief without any chemical side effects. Dr. Tanu Raghava emphasizes that a balanced diet, proper hygiene, and timely homeopathic intervention not only speed up recovery but also strengthen the child’s immunity, preventing future infections.
FAQ
Q1. What causes Hand and Mouth Disease in children?
Ans: It is caused by Coxsackievirus or Enterovirus, spreading through saliva, stool, or contact with infected surfaces.
Q2. Can homeopathy cure HFMD permanently?
Ans: Yes, homeopathy helps manage symptoms effectively and boosts immunity, reducing recurrence.
Q3. How long does HFMD last in children?
Ans: Usually, it lasts 7–10 days, with faster recovery under homeopathic care.
Q4. Is Hand and Mouth Disease contagious?
Ans: Yes, it spreads easily among children, especially through close contact and shared items.
Q5. Is homeopathic treatment safe for infants and toddlers?
Ans: Absolutely. Dr. Tanu Raghava recommends homeopathy as a safe, natural, and gentle approach for children of all ages.
