Hand, foot, and mouth disease can make little ones absolutely miserable. Between painful mouth sores, fevers, skin rashes, and irritability, many parents simply want to know how to help their child feel more at ease while the virus runs its course.
Because this illness is caused by a virus, treatment usually focuses on symptom relief rather than curing the illness itself.1 Fortunately, there are several gentle at-home remedies that may help relieve discomfort, encourage hydration, and support recovery.
Here are some simple ways to help comfort your child at home while they recover.
While most cases are mild and improve within 7 to 10 days, symptoms can still be uncomfortable for young children.
Key Takeaways
- Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral illness that usually resolves on its own.
- Hydration and pain relief are often the most important parts of home care.
- Cold foods, oatmeal baths, and soft clothing may help ease discomfort.
- Contact your pediatrician if your child shows signs of dehydration or worsening symptoms.
Related: Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: What You Need To Know
Home Remedies That May Help Relieve Symptoms
Consider trying these natural, at-home remedies for HFMD:
1. Hydrate Well
One of the biggest concerns with hand, foot, and mouth disease is that children with painful sores in their mouths will become dehydrated.4 Anything that aggravates their mouth will make them resistant to putting anything in or around their mouth. Plain water is one of the best things you can do for your child, and giving it to them at their preferred temperature is best. Most children will appreciate the cooling effects of ice water, but some will respond well to warm teas and even watered-down juices. Bear in mind that citrus juices, such as orange juice, will likely irritate the sores.5
Fewer wet diapers, dry lips, lethargy, or refusal to drink fluids may be signs of dehydration.
2. Suck on Frozen Foods
One of the most comforting things you can do for your child’s sore mouth is to offer different iced foods for them to suck on.5 Cold and soft foods are often easier for children with mouth sores to tolerate. Most children love popsicles, but they are often loaded with sugar. And because their appetite will likely be lower than usual, it helps to get nutrition in when you can.6 Therefore, you can offer frozen whole fruits like watermelon slices and strawberries, or freeze yogurt in an ice tray to give them a little extra nourishment while soothing their mouth.7 When in a pinch, don’t hesitate to provide them with ice cubes crushed to the appropriate size for their age.
Related: Signs Your Baby Has a Sore or Red Throat and What To Do
3. Take Colloidal Oatmeal Baths
A good oatmeal bath is sometimes just the ticket for soothing irritated skin. Oatmeal baths are popular natural remedies for skin rashes like chickenpox and eczema. They reduce inflammation and relieve itching.8 Certain oatmeal bath products are ready to use, or you can put in the work ahead of time to grind oatmeal into a powder so it can be dissolved in the tub and doesn’t clog the drain. Whatever way you choose to go, a warm bath is an excellent way to help young children relax and calm irritated skin.9
4. Try Coconut Oil
You will likely come across coconut oil when looking for at-home remedies for hand, foot, and mouth disease. Coconut oil is so popular because it is highly nourishing and can act as an antiseptic.10,11 You can apply it to external sores, such as those on the hands and feet.
Some people also “swish” coconut oil in their mouths to help ease mouth irritation. This technique, called oil pulling, is more complex for younger children. But it could be an option for older children and adults who contract the virus.12 Some research suggests coconut oil may have antimicrobial properties similar to chlorhexidine, a solution used to cleanse the skin (including the mouth) of bacteria.2,12
5. Dress Your Child in Lightweight Clothing
Fever often accompanies hand, foot, and mouth disease, especially at the beginning of the illness. And while it is our inclination to treat fevers, research shows that allowing fevers to run their course can help shorten the time we are sick. Indeed, fever is one of the immune system’s defenses against infection and illness.3
However, fevers often leave children feeling miserable. So, it is difficult for parents and caregivers to know when to treat a child’s fever. Your child’s pediatrician should offer guidelines on when you should notify them about fevers and when they recommend you treat the fever with medication like acetaminophen.13
If you are trying to keep your child comfortable while letting the fever run its course, cover their skin with light, soft clothing to keep the immediate chill at bay. Also, give them a cool cloth on their forehead or the back of their neck.14 Sometimes, adding a drop of essential oil to the cloth, such as lavender or eucalyptus, may feel soothing for some older children.15 You can also place the clothes in the freezer for a few minutes to get them really chilled.
Related: Fever in Babies: A Parent’s Guide and Treatment Tips
6. Offer Soft, Nourishing Foods
Good nourishment is vital for healing the body. And while it can be challenging to get children to eat when they don’t feel well, there are ways to get healthy foods into their systems. For example, green smoothies can conceal a lot of vitamin-packed foods such as spinach. Those are a great option for getting your child plenty of nutrients while enjoying something cool and tasty.16 Soft foods with protein, such as yogurt, chicken soups, and cottage cheese, are also options for nourishing their bodies.17,18
If your child is struggling to tolerate smoothies, give broth a try. You can try warm bone, chicken, or vegetable broth to help them get some nutrition.19
When To Call Your Child’s Doctor
Supportive home remedies can be very helpful during HFMD. But there are times when you need to consider additional treatment options. Other treatment options include using acetaminophen to treat a fever or decrease pain, and talking to your doctor about using medicated lollipops to help soothe mouth sores.5,13
Most hand, foot, and mouth cases should resolve in about a week.12,20 However, if your child continues to have symptoms after 10 days, it is important to consult their pediatrician.21 Also, the following signs warrant medical attention from your child’s provider per the CDC:1
- Your child is not drinking enough to stay hydrated
- Your child’s immune system is weak or compromised
- Their symptoms are severe
- Your child is young, especially those who are 6 months and younger
Related: The Best Ways to Treat a Baby’s Cold
Watching your child struggle with this illness can feel exhausting and stressful for parents. While the virus usually needs to run its course, simple comfort measures at home can help ease symptoms and support your child’s recovery.
If your child develops worsening symptoms, signs of dehydration, persistent fever, or difficulty drinking fluids, contact your pediatrician for guidance. Most children improve within about a week and recover fully with supportive care and rest.
