Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease And Its Ayurvedic Treatment

Abstract

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common infection that is caused by a virus which usually affects children under age 5. In this condition the child suffers from red painful blisters in the throat, mouth, feet, hands and diaper area. Hand, foot, mouth disease (HFMD) can spread easily as it is a contagious condition. It spreads through feces, unwashed hands, mucus from nose, saliva, or from blisters fluid. Usually the children can get this infection from their preschools, childcare centers, summer camps, schools or other similar places where many children are close together. You will get to know all about HFMD in this detailed article and its Ayurvedic treatment as well.

INTRODUCTION TO HAND-FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by the coxsackievirus, Enterovirus genus and is highly infectious. Infection is spread from one person to another through contaminated surfaces with feces, unwashed hands, saliva or other respiratory secretions from the infected person. HFMD is presented by the appearance of sores or blisters in the mouth, and rashes on the feet and hands. Person of any age can get this infection but the most vulnerable group is children under the age of 5 years. This infection can either be mild, moderate or severe.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF HAND-FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

As per Ayurveda, the viral contagious infection like HFMD occurs due to the combination of the factors, first the presence of causative agent and second is low digestive fire (Agni mandya). When Agni, which is the digestive fire of the body, is low, immunity is also compromised leading to a person becoming more vulnerable to viral and other infections.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HAND-FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

Signs and symptoms of HFMD start to develop within 3-6 days after the person gets infected with the virus. Common signs and symptoms of the condition are:

• Sore throat
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in head
• Irritability
• Feeling of being unwell (malaise)
• Drooling
• Red painful blisters in mouth
• Red rashes on hands and feet

The main characteristic symptom is red painful rashes in mouth, hands and feet which usually shows up 1-2 days later after fever and sore throat.

CAUSES OF HAND-FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

This disease is usually caused by a strain of a coxsackievirus and specifically the coxsackievirus A16 strain which is part of a enteroviruses group of viruses. However some other types of enteroviruses can also cause the infection in some cases. This disease can be easily transferred from one person to another through infected person’s saliva, unwashed contaminated hands, feces, fluid from blisters, and respiratory droplets through sneezing or coughing.

RISK FACTORS FOR HAND-FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

Children below the age of 5 years are at risk the most of getting HFMD and if your child attends a daycare or school, this risk increases as here in such facilities viruses can spread easily and quickly. Usually the immunity to certain viruses develop in children only after coming in contact with them. Because of this, children above 10 years of age are rarely affected by HFMD. But any person with a weak immune system, bringing it to adult or older children can get this infection.

DIAGNOSIS OF HAND-FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

Your child’s doctor will take the medical history and go for the physical examination in which they will look into the mouth for blisters, and check rashes on hands and feet which will help in diagnosing the HFMD. Your doctor may also take a stool sample or throat swab to confirm the presence of the virus in it.

TREATMENT OF HAND-FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

There is no specific treatment yet mentioned in conventional medicine. Usually the topical oral anesthetics are given to relieve the pain in the oral mouth sores.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR HAND-FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

Ayurvedic treatment for HFMD aims at treating the infection, accompanying symptoms along with boosting the immunity. There are many herbal remedies which include herbs that possess natural qualities to treat infection, and boosts immunity by igniting the digestive fire (Agni).

HERBAL REMEDIES OF PLANET AYURVEDA FOR HAND-FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

Planet Ayurveda is a renowned name in India as well as internationally in the field of herbal pharmaceutical companies. All of the herbal remedies and products manufactured here are prepared using the best quality of herbs and natural compounds through authentic Ayurvedic procedures. For HFMD, Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal remedies that can help in treating the condition naturally.

Products List

1. Septrin Tablet
2. Curcumin Capsule
3. Amritarisht
4. Mahamanjishthadi Kwath

Products Description

1. Septrin Tablet

Septrin tablets are prepared using medicinal herbs like Marich (Piper nigrum), Haldi (Curcuma longa), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Pippali (Piper longum), and Sonth (Zingiber officinale). This tablet helps in fighting and eliminating the infections in the body.

Dosage: Give 1 tablet twice daily after meals with plain water.

2. Curcumin Capsules

Haridra (Curcuma longa) is used in the formulation of Curcumin herbal capsules. These capsules help in treating infections, boost immunity and balance the tridosha.

Dosage: Give 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

3. Amritarisht

Amazing medicinal herbs like Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Shyonak (Oroxylum indicum), Patla (Stereospermum suaveolens), Prishnaparni (Uraria picta), Brihati (Solanum indicum) etc are used in the preparation of Amritarisht. This herbal formulation helps in boosting the immunity naturally and also increases the non specific immunity. All these actions eventually help in preventing the infections.

Dosage: Give 5 ml twice daily after meals with plain water.

4. Mahamanjishthadi Kwath

This Ayurvedic formulation is prepared using herbs like Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Tikta (Solanum indicum) etc. Mahamanjishthadi kwath acts by cleansing the blood and helps in all types of infection.

Dosage: Give 5 ml twice daily after meals with plain water.

CONCLUSION

HFMD can be treated naturally with the help of mentioned herbal remedies and along with that these remedies also will help in preventing future infections by boosting the immunity of your child. Our experts at Planet Ayurveda have been treaying such ailments for long time. You can write to us at herbalremedies123@yahoo.com or read more about us at www.PlanetAyurveda.com