Are baking soda baths recommended for children with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)?

Baking Soda Baths for Children with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

Baking soda baths are recommended as a supportive treatment for children with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) to help relieve symptoms and provide comfort. 1

Understanding HFMD

• HFMD is a viral illness primarily caused by enteroviruses, commonly affecting children under 5 years of age 2
• It is characterized by fever, oral lesions, and rashes on hands and feet 3
• The disease is typically self-limiting, with symptoms resolving within 7-10 days without complications 2, 3

Recommended Supportive Treatments

Baking Soda Baths

• Daily lukewarm baths with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) added at a concentration of 3-6 g/L are recommended for symptom relief 1
• Baking soda baths can help soothe skin rash, reduce itching, and provide comfort to affected children 1
• After bathing, scales may be gently removed by rubbing with soft materials like sponges or microfiber cloths 1

Additional Bath Options

• Colloidal preparations or saltwater baths (normal saline 0.9%) can also provide benefits 1
• Moisturizing additives may be included in the bath to prevent skin dryness 1

Other Supportive Measures

Pain and Fever Management

• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used for pain relief and fever reduction 3
• Ibuprofen is superior to acetaminophen for reducing fever, but dose should be adjusted in cases of impaired renal function 1

Hydration

• Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial, especially when oral lesions make drinking painful 3
• Cold fluids, popsicles, or ice cream may be better tolerated than hot or acidic beverages 3

Oral Care

• Mild toothpaste and gentle oral hygiene are recommended for comfort 1
• Avoid acidic, spicy, or hot foods that may irritate oral lesions 3

Prevention of Transmission

• Children with HFMD should not return to school until fever has resolved without medications, all blisters have dried and crusted over, and at least 7 days have passed since symptom onset 4
• Thorough handwashing with soap and water is essential to prevent spreading HFMD 4
• Proper disposal of tissues containing nasal secretions and avoiding close contact during the contagious period are recommended 4

Important Considerations and Cautions

• Antiseptics should not be used routinely in baths unless there are recurrent skin infections 1
• If antiseptics are needed, they should be used only 2-3 times per week and thoroughly rinsed off to avoid irritation 1
• Oral lidocaine is not recommended for pain management in HFMD 3
• Currently, there is no specific pharmaceutical intervention or antiviral treatment available for HFMD in the United States 2, 3

When to Seek Medical Attention

• If fever persists beyond 3-4 days 3
• If the child shows signs of dehydration due to difficulty swallowing 3
• If there are any neurological symptoms (unusual sleepiness, weakness in limbs) 2
• If skin lesions appear infected (increased redness, swelling, drainage) 3

Baking soda baths represent a safe, accessible, and effective supportive treatment that can provide significant comfort to children suffering from the uncomfortable rash associated with HFMD while the illness runs its natural course.