Ayurvedic Perspective of Hand, Mouth and Foot Disease

ABSTRACT

Viruses are microbes which contain genetic material, RNA or DNA and are coated with a layer of protein. The viral infection is the multiplication or proliferation of these microorganisms inside the body. Viral infections can be of various types which can hinder the health of the body. One such type of viral infection is the hand, mouth and foot disease. It is most commonly observed in children. It has been a topic of discussion in the medical fraternity and a matter of concern in the general public in recent times because of the rise in the number of cases. Let us know about the HAND, MOUTH AND FOOT DISEASE in detail along with its symptoms, causes, management and the ayurvedic aspect through this article.

INTRODUCTION

HAND, MOUTH AND FOOT DISEASE" is a distinct type of viral infection of the skin. It is also known as enteroviral vesicular stomatitis with exanthem. Hand, mouth and foot disease is a result of infection from a group of enterovirus. Hand, mouth and foot disease is most common in children below the age of ten years. It presents with sores or ulcers inside or around the mouth, rashes can also be observed.  The first case of hand, mouth and foot disease (HFMD) was reported in New zealand in the year 1957. This condition is a viral infection of self limiting nature. The causes, symptoms, etc. and more details will be provided as follows.

CAUSES

As mentioned earlier, the hand, mouth and foot disease (HFMD) is a result of a viral infection. The causative virus underlying this condition belongs to the Picornaviridae family. Few of the most common ones are coxsackievirus, enterovirus, etc. The  hand, mouth and foot disease (HFMD) is very highly contagious and is known to transmit through direct contact, by fecal oral transmission and even by nasopharyngeal secretions such as saliva or nasal mucous. It usually spreads due to lack of proper sanitation and poor toilet hygiene. This will lead to presentation of different symptoms described as follows.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms will vary from patient to patient. The most common symptoms of  hand, mouth and foot disease (HFMD) will include general malaise or weakness, generalized discomfort, fever, nausea, vomiting, etc. The child does not feel hungry leading to a decrease in appetite. He/ she may become easily irritated. Skin rashes can be observed. There can be blisters or lesions on the face, around the nose or mouth, soles of feet, or buttock region, etc. THis condition is usually self resolving i.e. the rash and infection will resolve itself after 7 to 10 days. The diagnosis and management of this condition is described as follows.

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

The incubation period ranges from 3 to 6 days. The diagnosis can be prepared by observing the clinical features itself. If still, a chance of confusion or doubt exists, the doctor may advise you to go for throat swab or stool sample for culture to detect virus if present. As mentioned earlier, the hand, mouth and foot disease (HFMD) is a self limiting condition and does not necessarily need treatment. Symptomatic treatment may be given to provide relief.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT

The hand, mouth and foot disease (HFMD) can be correlated to the condition of bala graha. The graha are explained in the graha chikitsa. It describes graha as a consequence of ominous nature and can produce deadly diseases. The term graha presents similarity to various planets that are believed to affect the health of the body in  an unknown way. In the bala chikitsa branch of ayurveda, graha are mentioned in detail and are known to bother children as compared to adults. There are various types of graha mentioned in the ayurvedic literature. The condition of hand, mouth and foot disease can be seen to possess similarity with the shakuni graha. The presenting features of shakuni graha are repeated occurrence of sores or blisters on various parts of the body, accompanied with fever, fear or irritability, etc. So to manage these hindrances in the normal bodily functions, various ayurvedic formulations can be used to cope up with this condition. The details regarding these formulations useful for managing the hand, mouth and foot disease such as curcumin capsule, septrin tablet, etc.are described as follows.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR HAND, MOUTH AND FOOT DISEASE

Planet Ayurveda is providing various preparations of natural herbs such as septrin tablets, curcumin capsule, amritarishta, etc. which are prepared using authentic ways and provide great results in improving the immune system of the body. All the herbal products manufactured here are free from chemicals, preservatives, starch, additives, colors and fillers. These products are hundred percent natural and are formulated by MD Ayurvedic doctors with deep knowledge of Ayurveda and many years of experience. The formulations are prepared strictly according to the procedures described in the samhitas (classical texts) and therefore are very effective in promoting health and managing the diseased state. The ayurvedic formulations useful in the case of hand, mouth and foot disease is described as follows -

1. Septrin Tablet

Septrin tablets prepared by planet ayurveda is a wonderful ayurvedic formulation which contains various medicinal properties. The herbal composition of septrin tablets include guggul (Commiphora mukul), sonth (Zingiber officinale), marich (Piper nigrum), pippali (Piper longum), etc. These help to balance the dosha i.s. vata, pitta and kapha in the body. It supports a healthy immune system and hence will help to fight off infections. Thus, septrin tablets help in improving the condition of hand, mouth and foot disease.

Dosage - One tablet two times a day, after meals with plain water.

2. Curcumin capsule

Curcumin Capsules are being prepared by planet ayurveda. It contains natural extracts of a very beneficial ayurvedic herb i.e. haldi (turmeric) (Curcuma longa). It improves the healing properties of the body. It has various antioxidative agents and helps to rejuvenate the cells of the body. Haridra helps to boost the immunity and metabolism of the body, hence useful in managing the condition of hand, mouth and foot disease.

Dosage - Curcumin Capsule can be given one capsule two times a day, after meals with plain water.

3. Amritarisht

Amritarisht is being prepared by Planet Ayurveda. It contains a combination of numerous medicinal herbs such as bilva (Aegle marmelos), giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), brihati (Solanum indicum), etc. These are very beneficial in dealing with febrile conditions. It helps to improve the immune system of the body and hence will protect the child from any chance of infections. This further will prevent the child from bacterial and viral infections as the body’s strength to fight off infection increases.

Dosage - One teaspoon two times a day, after meals with plain water.

4. Mahamanjisthadi Kwath

Mahamanjisthadi Kwath is an ayurvedic formulation prepared by Planet ayurveda. The main component of mahamanjisthadi kwath is a very beneficial ayurvedic herb namely manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) along with various other medicinal components. It has various medicinal properties. Manjishtha is an excellent blood purifier and helps to balance pitta and kapha dosha. Mahamanjisthadi Kwathi is very helpful in managing inflammatory conditions and hence, helpful in improving the condition of the patient of hand, mouth and foot disease.

Dosage - One teaspoon two times a day, after meals with plain water.

CONCLUSION

So, in a nutshell, all the above described information can be compiled and it can be concluded that the condition of hand, mouth and foot disease can be managed effectively with the appropriate use of ayurvedic formulations. The ayurvedic principles believe to rectify the disease right from its roots rather than just managing the symptoms. So, by restricting the causative or aggravating factors and following a healthy diet along with the administration of ayurvedic formulations such as septrin tablets, curcumin capsules, etc. the condition of hand, mouth and foot disease can be managed effectively.