How to treat hand, foot, and mouth disease in adults
Oct 18, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Haiying
Introduction
In general, adult hand, foot, and mouth disease can be managed through daily care, dietary adjustments, physical therapy, medication, and traditional Chinese medicine treatments. When adults are infected with hand, foot, and mouth disease, it is recommended to stay at home in isolation, wear a mask, wash hands frequently, minimize contact with areas that children may touch, use separate clothing and tableware, and disinfect household items regularly.
In general, adult hand, foot, and mouth disease can be managed through daily care, dietary adjustments, physical therapy, medication, and traditional Chinese medicine treatments. Specific details are as follows:
1. Daily Care
Adults with hand, foot, and mouth disease should stay at home in isolation. They should wear masks and wash hands frequently, avoid touching areas that children may come into contact with, use separate clothing and tableware, and disinfect personal items regularly.
2. Dietary Adjustments
Adults with hand, foot, and mouth disease should eat light, easily digestible, soft, and warm foods. Food should not be too hot or too cold. It is recommended to consume foods rich in vitamins and protein, such as meat, eggs, milk, vegetables, and fruits.
3. Physical Therapy
If an adult with hand, foot, and mouth disease develops a fever, physical cooling methods can be used, such as wiping the body with lukewarm water, applying fever-reducing patches, or using cold towels to wipe the forehead, palms, soles, armpits, and other areas to help dissipate heat.
4. Medication
Adult hand, foot, and mouth disease is usually caused by enteroviruses. Patients may take antiviral medications such as ribavirin tablets or oseltamivir phosphate capsules as directed by a physician.
5. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
After proper diagnosis by a doctor, adult patients may also use traditional Chinese medicines such as Isatis Root Granules (Banlangen), Yinqiao Jiedu Granules, or An Gong Niu Huang Pills to regulate the body and support treatment.
If patients experience any discomfort, they should seek timely medical attention to avoid delaying treatment.
