Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common infectious disease in children under 4 years old. Its hallmark symptoms include blisters on the palms, soles, inside the mouth, and other areas of the body. In addition to medication, herbal baths can effectively alleviate discomfort in children. To do this correctly, you should know which herbs are suitable for bathing children with hand, foot, and mouth disease.
1. Which Herbs Are Suitable for Bathing Children with hand, foot, and mouth disease?
Here are several herbs that can be used:
1.1. Bathing with Green Tea Leaves
According to traditional medicine, green tea leaves have a cooling nature, astringent, slightly bitter, and sour flavors, and are non-toxic. They target the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. Green tea leaves help detoxify, relieve heat, reduce swelling, and kill bacteria, while their external use aids wound healing.
Green tea leaves possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Regularly using green tea water as a mouth rinse can effectively treat oral ulcers. The tannins in green tea help tighten mucous membranes, dry open wounds, and promote the rapid formation of granulation tissue, making it an excellent choice for bathing children with hand, foot, and mouth disease.
Bathing with green tea leaves can reduce the risk of infection, especially when blisters on the skin rupture and leave open wounds. However, because a child's skin is highly sensitive and prone to irritation, it is essential to select fresh, clean tea leaves free from harmful chemicals.
Instructions for use:
- Take approximately 300g of green tea leaves and wash them thoroughly.
- Boil the leaves in water for 5 minutes.
- Allow the water to cool to an appropriate temperature before using it to bathe the child.
1.2. Bathing with Jasminum Subtriplinerve Leaves
Traditional medicine regards Jasminum subtriplinerve (wild jasmine) as effective in detoxifying heat and reducing blister growth in hand, foot, and mouth disease. It also promotes faster wound healing, making it a good choice for herbal baths.
How to use:
- Take a handful of Jasminum subtriplinerve leaves (you can add honeysuckle leaves if available).
- Boil them in water, then dilute it for bathing the child.
1.3. Bathing with Fish Mint (Houttuynia Cordata)
Fish mint has a sour taste, a fishy smell, a cooling nature, and targets the liver and lungs. It is known for its heat-clearing, swelling-reducing, and antibacterial properties, making it highly effective for hand, foot, and mouth disease blisters.
How to use:
- Crush a handful of fish mint leaves.
- Add the crushed leaves to boiling water.
- Dilute the mixture and use it as bathwater for the child.
1.4. Bathing with Purslane Leaves
In Eastern medicine, purslane is considered cooling and highly effective at clearing heat. Studies have shown that purslane contains vitamins and anti-inflammatory compounds that promote the healing of damaged and infected skin.
How to use:
- Wash a handful of purslane leaves.
- Boil them in water for 5–10 minutes, leaving the lid off to cool slightly.
- Dilute and use the water for bathing the child.
1.5. Bathing with Vietnamese Balm (Elsholtzia Ciliata)
Vietnamese balm has a warm nature and targets the liver, lungs, and spleen. Known for its ability to dispel wind and cold, this herb is often used for treating skin conditions like rashes and itchiness.
Research has shown that the alkaloids in Vietnamese balm have strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, making it effective against hand, foot, and mouth disease symptoms.
How to use:
- Take 100g of fresh Vietnamese balm.
- Boil it in 5–7 liters of water.
- Use the water for bathing the child.
2. How to Bathe a Child with hand, foot, and mouth disease
Some people mistakenly believe that children with hand, foot, and mouth disease should avoid water. On the contrary, maintaining hygiene and bathing the child regularly can prevent bacterial and viral buildup, reducing the risk of secondary infections.
When bathing a child with hand, foot, and mouth disease, it is important to be gentle to avoid breaking the blisters. Follow these steps:
- Ensure the bathing area is draft-free to prevent the child from catching a cold.
- Close all windows and doors during the bath.
- Use warm water, ensuring it's neither too hot nor too cold.
- Use mild antibacterial soap designed for children or herbal bathwater. Avoid baby shampoos for children under 6 months to prevent skin irritation.
- Use a soft cloth to gently clean the child’s body. For older children, allow them to sit in a basin while pouring water gently over them. Avoid touching blisters or causing skin abrasions.
- After bathing, dry the child with a soft, dry towel. Do not use damp towels.
- Dress the child in clean, soft, and loose-fitting clothes to prevent skin irritation.
3. Additional Tips for Caring for a Child with hand, foot, and mouth disease
- Maintain daily hygiene. Older children can gargle with saline solution.
- Isolate the infected child to prevent transmission to others. Consult a doctor for proper treatment.
- Never burst the blisters, as this increases the risk of infection.
- Caregivers should wash their hands before, during, and after handling the child, and before preparing meals or using the bathroom.
- Sterilize feeding utensils, bottles, and toys daily to limit bacterial growth.
- Clean floors and disinfect the child’s clothing and items using a sterilizing solution or chloramine B.
- Trim the child’s nails or cover their hands to prevent scratching.
- Provide a balanced diet with diverse food options. Encourage fluid intake and soft, cool foods such as porridge or soup.
- Breastfed infants should be nursed more frequently to boost immunity and nutrition.
With the above guidance, parents can better understand how to use herbal baths to alleviate symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease, ensuring their child’s condition improves daily.
Currently, the Pediatrics Department at Vinmec International General Hospital specializes in diagnosing and treating common illnesses in infants and young children, including viral and bacterial fevers, middle ear infections, pneumonia, and hand, foot, and mouth disease. Equipped with advanced facilities and a sterile environment, the hospital minimizes risks of disease transmission. Experienced pediatricians provide compassionate care, ensuring a stress-free experience for parents and children alike.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
