If you read my previous post about Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), you would know that I had a really hard time dealing it. The infection lasted for about eight days in my case, and seven days for Elric. Our symptoms were the same. Sudden high fever, sore throat, fatigue, followed by ulcers, rashes, blisters and diarrhea. We also had problem sleeping, often caused by pain.
Since I put up the previous post about HFMD, two of my friends had dropped me messages to ask what could be done to minimise the discomfort from the symptoms. I guess it is good for me to share some suggestions with you here.
1. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water even if it is extremely painful to the throat. As HFMD is a disease caused by intestinal viruses, you would likely get diarrhea (or vomiting) which will drain away a lot of fluid from your body. Sports drinks like H2O or 100Plus are helpful to replenish the electrolyte lost from frequent diarrhea. If your child refuses water, give to him his favourite beverage or soup. Having some form of fluid is very important.
2. Be equipped with a straw
If you are having ulcers on the lips like I did, remember to use a straw when drinking water. It makes a WHOLE LOT OF DIFFERENCE. Even if it means to drink soup or porridge with straws, just do it. Nobody will judge you for that. If your child's HFMD is severe and has many ulcers on the tongue, avoid disposable straws which may prick the tongue.
3. Soft diet
I know this may sound ridiculous. I didn't have appetite but was feeling hungry all the time. It was too painful just thinking about swallowing food. I guess that was what Elric went through too. He was very fussy with food those few days. You will probably have to keep to soft diet, with smaller but more frequent meals. e.g. Porridge, Noodle soup, Cream soup.
Please make sure they will not too hot when served!
Please make sure they will not too hot when served!
4. Yoghurt and Ice cream
These two items were the best things on earth for me during the week of my life! They were the only food items I could swallow without cringing. I am sure the kids will be happy to eat them too.Having said that, do serve in moderation.
5. Vaseline (100% pure petroleum jelly)
My lips were very dry and peeling especially at night. The Vaseline 100% pure petroleum jelly was very helpful and effective. I reapplied the product on my lips throughout the day.
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| In case you don't know what I am referring to. |
My lips were very dry and peeling especially at night. The Vaseline 100% pure petroleum jelly was very helpful and effective. I reapplied the product on my lips throughout the day.
6. Liang Teh (herbal tea)
Doctor and pharmacist would tell you that there is no medication for HFMD. However, some Chinese Senseh advised patients to drink cooling tea. Herbal tea such as Luo Han Guo and Crysanthamum tea may be helpful.
7. Wash your hands
Keeping your hands clean is very important to prevent further the disease from spreading. Be it the child or the caregiver, frequent hand wash is necessary.
8. Bedroom slippers and gloves
The blisters on my palms and on the sole of my feet caused me a lot of pain!!! Unless I stayed lying down for the entire day, it was not possible for me to neglect those painful blisters on my feet (and so I walked like a penguin). My hands were in such pain when I washed my hair and ran my fingers through my hair. I am pretty sure I didn't washed my hair thoroughly. haha.. Gloves and bedroom slippers can be very helpful to reduce the pressure the the blisters.
9. Vitamin C
Due to the ulcers, it was difficult to for me to eat fruits. Yet you need to strengthen your immunity and fend off those germs. Taking Vitamin C will be very helpful. I took Vit C pills while Elric had his Vitamin C gummy bears.
10. SLEEP
I lacked sleep during the entire week of HFMD. I am not sure if it was caused by the pain which shocked me up whenever I swallowed saliva or when I turned and hit my blisters. But I read that sleeplessness is one of the symptoms of HFMD. So try to take naps through the day. It will help.
Finally, remember you request from your doctor Calamine lotion and antiseptic lozenges. Calamine will ease the pain and itch from your rashes and blisters. Antiseptic lozenges will help to manage your ulcer pain.
I hope my suggestions are helpful to you. However, these are only from my experience. When in doubt, always clarify with you PD or family doctor.
I hope my suggestions are helpful to you. However, these are only from my experience. When in doubt, always clarify with you PD or family doctor.
Cheers,
Mummy Kaye
