Q: My 5-year-old has severe HFMD and mouth ulcers. Are steroids used during hospitalization?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD

Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Question:

My 5-year-old child is on day 5 of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) and stomatitis. It has been a very painful time, as the roof of their mouth and tongue are severely covered with blisters and ulcers. If we decide to hospitalize my child, will they receive steroid treatment? Is it effective for this condition?

Answer:

It must be very difficult dealing with HFMD and severe stomatitis for five days. When a child's mouth and tongue are covered in blisters and ulcers, it is incredibly painful for them and highly distressing for the parents.

To answer your question directly: steroids are generally not used to treat Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. Steroid treatment has not been proven effective for HFMD, and it is actually not recommended because it can prolong the period during which the virus is shed.

If your child is hospitalized, the primary focus will be on supportive care and pain management. The treatments typically include:

• IV fluid therapy: To prevent dehydration and supply necessary nutrition if the child cannot eat or drink.

• Intravenous painkillers: To provide rapid and effective pain relief.

• Local anesthetics: Such as lidocaine gargles or soothing throat sprays to numb the oral ulcers.

While you are caring for your child at home, here are a few things that can help ease their discomfort:

1. Cold foods: Offer chilled items like ice cream, yogurt, and pudding, which are soothing on sore oral lesions.

2. Use a straw: Having your child drink through a straw can help liquids bypass the most painful blistered areas in the mouth.

3. Pain relievers: You can alternate between acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen to effectively manage their pain and fever.

4. Oral sprays: Use pain-relieving oral sprays designed for children to coat and soothe the ulcers.

Since it is already day 5, you are likely nearing the end of the worst symptoms, and your child should start improving very soon. However, you must monitor them closely for dehydration.

Please visit an emergency room or consult your pediatrician immediately for an in-person evaluation if you notice any of the following danger signs:

• No urination for 8 hours or more.

• Signs of severe dehydration, such as dry lips, sunken eyes, or crying without tears.

• Extreme pain that causes an absolute inability to eat or drink anything.

• A persistent high fever combined with severe lethargy or unresponsiveness.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

fevercoach.us

Apple App Store

Google Play

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