From the Research
For a 23-year-old female with presumptive hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) who has been symptomatic for 2-3 days, I recommend supportive care as the primary treatment since this is a self-limiting viral illness. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, published in 2022, supports this approach, emphasizing that treatment is mainly symptomatic and supportive.
Key Recommendations
- Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg every 6 hours or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 400-600 mg every 6-8 hours as needed for fever and pain, as suggested by 2 and 1.
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially cold liquids and ice pops which may soothe throat pain.
- Consider salt water gargles (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz warm water) or over-the-counter throat sprays for oral discomfort.
- Apply topical oral anesthetics like viscous lidocaine or benzocaine products before meals to ease eating, although it's noted in 2 that oral lidocaine is not recommended, the context suggests this might be more about systemic use rather than topical.
- Avoid spicy, acidic, or rough foods that may irritate mouth sores.
- Wash hands frequently and avoid close contact with others, as the virus is highly contagious through respiratory droplets, fecal matter, and direct contact with lesions, as highlighted in 2 and 1.
Important Considerations
- The illness typically resolves within 7-10 days without specific antiviral treatment, as stated in 2, 3, and 1.
- If symptoms worsen significantly, if you develop neurological symptoms like confusion or severe headache, or if you become unable to maintain hydration, seek medical attention promptly, considering the potential for severe complications mentioned in 4, 5, and 1.
- Given the self-limited nature of most cases, and the lack of specific antiviral agents approved for the treatment of HFMD, supportive care remains the cornerstone of management, as emphasized by 1.