Can breast milk help hand, foot, and mouth?

The Role of Breast Milk in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection that primarily affects young children, characterized by sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. As parents navigate the challenges of this illness, many wonder about the potential benefits of breastfeeding during such times. Recent studies and expert opinions shed light on how breast milk can play a protective role against HFMD.
Natural Protection Through Breastfeeding
Research indicates that exclusive breastfeeding can provide significant protective effects against HFMD. A study involving 316 cases of HFMD and 566 controls found that infants who were exclusively breastfed for the first six months had a notably lower occurrence of the disease, with an odds ratio of 0.63, suggesting a 37% reduction in risk compared to those who were not exclusively breastfed. This protective effect is attributed to the antibodies and bioactive components present in breast milk, which bolster an infant’s immune system against various infectious agents.
Comfort and Nutrition During Illness
When a child contracts HFMD, they often experience discomfort and may refuse solid foods due to mouth sores. In such cases, breastfeeding not only provides essential nutrition but also serves as a source of comfort. Experts recommend continuing to breastfeed during HFMD, as it can help soothe the child and ensure they receive adequate hydration and nutrients. The act of breastfeeding can be particularly comforting for infants and toddlers who may be feeling unwell.
Safety of Breastfeeding with HFMD
Parents may worry about the transmission of the virus through breast milk. However, health professionals clarify that as long as the skin of the breast is not affected by sores, there is no risk of transmitting HFMD through breastfeeding. This means that mothers can safely continue to breastfeed their children without fear of spreading the infection.
Conclusion
In summary, breast milk plays a crucial role in protecting infants from hand, foot, and mouth disease. The natural antibodies found in breast milk not only help reduce the risk of infection but also provide comfort and nutrition during illness. For mothers dealing with HFMD, continuing to breastfeed is a beneficial choice that supports their child’s health and well-being.

How do I keep my baby hydrated with hand, foot, and mouth?

Painful mouth sores can make it uncomfortable to drink. Make sure your child stays hydrated by offering cold liquids such as water, milk or Pedialyte®. Avoid juice — the acidity can aggravate your child’s sores. You can also offer your child ice pops.

Can HFM go away in 3 days?

Symptoms of HFMD usually go away in 5 to 7 days without treatment.

How can I soothe my hand, foot and mouth at night?

drink cool fluids to soothe the mouth and prevent dehydration (but avoid acidic drinks, such as fruit juice) eat soft foods like yoghurt and avoid hot, salty and spicy foods. take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help ease a sore mouth or throat.

How do you soothe a baby with hand, foot, and mouth?

Treat mouth pain so that your child drinks well and avoids dehydration. Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin®, Advil®) are effective pain medicines. For toddlers and older kids, offer soft foods such as yogurt, pasta, pudding or smoothies as well as ice pops to provide sustenance and relieve pain.

What kills hand foot and mouth virus?

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is most commonly caused by a coxsackievirus. There’s no specific treatment for hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Frequent hand-washing and avoiding close contact with people who have hand-foot-and-mouth disease may help lower your child’s risk of infection.

How painful is hand, foot and mouth for babies?

Children may get a fever and develop a sore throat. They sometimes lose their appetites and don’t feel well. One or two days after the fever begins, painful sores may develop in the front of the mouth or throat. A rash on the hands and feet and sometimes on the buttocks may also appear.

What kills hand, foot, and mouth virus on surfaces?

Use chlorine-based disinfectants to clean surfaces and objects as they are more effective in killing the HFMD virus. Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops. Ensure that toys, utensils, and personal items are sanitized routinely.

How do you make hand, foot, and mouth go away faster?

There’s no specific treatment for hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Symptoms of hand-foot-and-mouth disease usually clear up in 7 to 10 days. A topical oral anesthetic may help relieve the pain of mouth sores.

Is hand, foot, and mouth due to hygiene?

Spread of hand, foot and mouth disease
This infection is spread by direct contact with fluid from the skin blisters, nose and throat discharges (including saliva, sputum or nasal mucus), droplets (sneezing, coughing) and faeces (poo). Good personal hygiene is important to prevent spread of the infection to others.

When does HFMD peak?

In the temperate climates, cases tend to peak during the early summer, whereas in tropical climates, including Hong Kong and Taiwan, outbreaks usually occur in late spring and fall.