Dr. Brandon has been receiving many calls from moms of kids who are coming home from daycare and school with hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD). It is really going around right now so let’s talk about what it is and how we can keep your child as comfortable as possible!
Hand foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious virus that usually affects kids under the age of 10. We all know the biggest sign of HFMD, right? Lots of clustered painful ulcers or rash around the hands feet and mouth! HFMD can also come with a fever, headache, sore throat, exhaustion, and even blisters that are NOT on the hands, feet, and mouth. These blisters can also be found on your child’s elbows, buttocks, stomach, and more.
Luckily, HFMD will eventually go away on it’s own and does not require any medication but that doesn’t mean your child won’t experience any discomfort. So let’s talk about some natural ways you can ease the discomfort from the ulcers and blisters for your kiddos!
🌿 drink coconut water:
Coconut water contains lauric acid which fights viruses as well as electrolytes which will help while your child has a fever. It is a great alternative to Pedialyte or Gatorade when trying to hydrate your child!
🌿 rub aloe Vera on the blisters:
The antimicrobial properties in aloe Vera will help stop the spread of the blisters from HFMD as well as soothe the skin! Aloe Vera contains vitamins such as vitamin A, C, and E which can protect skin from any damage.
🌿 drinking elderberry:
Elderberry is widely known for boosting the immune system thus helping it fight disease and viruses! It helps the body produce mucous to fight viruses and it can increase body temperature slightly which will aid in making it difficult for viruses to grow.
🌿 coconut oil for rashes or blisters:
We’ve all heard the “joke,” “just rub some coconut oil on it!” But seriously it’s so good! Coconut oil has antiviral properties so just rub it right onto the rashes and blisters and watch them heal.