From the Research
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) may help relieve some symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease, particularly itching and discomfort from the rash, but it does not treat the viral infection itself. The primary treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease remains supportive care, which includes plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, soft foods that don't irritate mouth sores, and over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and pain 1.
Key Considerations
- The disease typically resolves on its own within 7-10 days, and maintaining good hygiene is important to prevent spreading the highly contagious virus to others 2.
- Benadryl works by blocking histamine receptors, which can reduce itching and potentially help with sleep, but since hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by viruses (typically coxsackievirus), antihistamines don't address the underlying infection 3.
- For children, the typical dosage of Benadryl is 1 mg per kg of body weight every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 5 doses in 24 hours, while for adults, 25-50 mg every 4-6 hours is standard, not exceeding 300 mg daily.
Treatment Approach
- The focus should be on supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications, rather than relying on antihistamines like Benadryl as a primary treatment 4.
- In severe cases, particularly those involving the central nervous system, therapies such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and mechanical ventilation may be considered, as they have shown to improve outcomes in certain situations 5.
Prevention and Public Health
- Good personal hygiene, including handwashing and disinfecting potentially contaminated surfaces, is crucial in preventing the spread of hand, foot, and mouth disease 2.
- Vaccination against certain strains of the virus, such as Enterovirus A71, may offer protection and is an area of ongoing research and development 1.