Relieving fever and skin rash symptoms of Hand Foot Mouth Disease with "Ya-Khiao-Hom"

Abstract

Hand Foot Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a condition caused by enterovirus infection, predominantly affecting children under the age of five. Clinical manifestations include fever and the appearance of inflamed red bumps on the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, palms, fingers, knees, and buttocks. HFMD significantly impacts the health and daily lives of infected children. In Thailand, the incidence has been rising annually. Current treatment strategies primarily aim to alleviate symptoms. Similar symptoms of HFMD, characterized by fever and the presence of skin bumps, are also documented in Thai traditional medicine. These symptoms are recommended to be treated by Ya-Khiao-Hom. Ya-Khiao-Hom remedy is included in the National List of Essential Herbal Medicines. Traditionally, this remedy recipe has been used to treat fever, internal heat, and thirst. Previous research demonstrated that Ya-Khiao-Hom exhibited antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties without cytotoxic effects, and inhibited Enterovirus 71 and Herpes simplex viruses from entering cells. Animal studies also showed that it can inhibit inflammation. Furthermore, clinical research supported the efficacy of Ya-Khiao-Hom remedy in treating aphthous ulcers. Based on these findings, Ya-Khiao-Hom could be an effective herbal remedy recipe in treating and relieving symptoms of HFMD. The studies of Ya-Khiao-Hom efficacy as well as clinical trial studies of its effectiveness are, therefore, important for applying the herbal remedy recipe to treat HFMD effectively.