Hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a frequently self-limited viral infectious disease in children with no specific antiviral treatment option. There has been an increasing interest in bee products in recent years, and propolis has come to the fore with its high therapeutic and protective effect. Although the inhibitory effect of propolis against enteroviruses (EVs) has been shown in studies, there is no clinical data regarding its use in the course of HFMD.
The aim of this prospective multicenter randomized clinical study was to evaluate the effect of propolis use in children with HFMD. The patients were randomly assigned to have Anatolian propolis or no supplement - control group in addition to symptomatic therapy decided by the physician. The duration of the patients' complaints, the distribution of the lesions in the body, and the fever status were recorded on admission. Parents were asked to rate the severity of the child's restlessness, inappetence, and sleeplessness status on a scale of 0-10 on the initial, 2nd (at 48th hour), and 3rd (on 5-7 days) visits.
Who can participate
Age range
1 Year – 10 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Patients diagnosed with HMFD
* 1-10 years old
Exclusion Criteria:
* The patients whose complaints were longer than 48 hours,
* those whose parents stated that they could not comply with the follow ups,
* those who were taking another antiviral or supportive treatment,
* those who had used antibiotics in the last 1 month,
* those with a history of immunodeficiency or a family history of immunodeficiency,
* those who had a history of anaphylaxis with any support product or drug,
* patients with a chronic disease or skin lesion
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.