New: Melatonin for Kids: Doctors Raise Safety Concerns
Create Account
Infectious DiseasesMedically Reviewed

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common viral infection characterized by a distinctive pattern of symptoms. Patients typically develop painful sores on the tongue and inner cheeks, followed by tiny red spots appearing on the palms and soles of the feet. The condition often begins with loss of appetite and discomfort in the mouth, progressing to the telltale rash that gives the disease its name. This infection affects children most frequently, though it can occur in adults, and spreads easily in settings where people are in close contact.

Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease include:

Fever, often the first symptom to appear
Painful sores or blisters inside the mouth and throat
Red spots or small blisters on palms of hands
Red spots or small blisters on soles of feet
Irritability and fussiness in young children
Sore throat that makes swallowing difficult
Loss of appetite due to mouth pain
Drooling more than usual
Red rash on buttocks and genital area
Small blisters that may appear on knees and elbows
Headache and general feeling of being unwell
Difficulty sleeping due to discomfort

When to see a doctor

If you experience severe or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Always consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Causes & Risk Factors

Several factors can contribute to Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease.

Hand, foot and mouth disease stems from infection with enteroviruses, a group of common viruses that thrive in the human digestive system.

Hand, foot and mouth disease stems from infection with enteroviruses, a group of common viruses that thrive in the human digestive system. The two main culprits are coxsackievirus A16, which causes the majority of cases, and enterovirus 71, which can occasionally lead to more severe symptoms. Other enteroviruses, including coxsackievirus A6 and A10, can also trigger the condition.

These viruses spread remarkably easily from person to person through several routes.

These viruses spread remarkably easily from person to person through several routes. The most common way is through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Children also catch it by touching contaminated surfaces like toys, doorknobs, or playground equipment, then putting their hands in their mouths. Close contact with an infected person's saliva, nasal secretions, or fluid from blisters can transmit the virus.

Once the virus enters the body through the mouth, nose, or eyes, it multiplies in the throat and intestinal tract.

Once the virus enters the body through the mouth, nose, or eyes, it multiplies in the throat and intestinal tract. The immune system responds by creating the characteristic fever and rash as it works to fight off the infection. People remain most contagious during the first week of illness, but can continue shedding the virus in their stool for several weeks after symptoms disappear.

Risk Factors

  • Age under 5 years old
  • Attending daycare or preschool
  • Living in crowded conditions
  • Having a weakened immune system
  • Close contact with infected individuals
  • Poor hand hygiene practices
  • Summer and early fall seasons
  • Living in areas with poor sanitation
  • Sharing toys or personal items with infected children
  • Recent travel to areas with outbreaks

Diagnosis

How healthcare professionals diagnose Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease:

  • 1

    Doctors can usually diagnose hand, foot and mouth disease simply by examining the characteristic rash and listening to your description of symptoms.

    Doctors can usually diagnose hand, foot and mouth disease simply by examining the characteristic rash and listening to your description of symptoms. The distinctive pattern of sores in the mouth combined with spots on the hands and feet makes this condition fairly easy to identify. Your healthcare provider will look inside your child's mouth with a light and examine their hands, feet, and sometimes other areas where the rash might appear.

  • 2

    During the examination, the doctor will check your child's temperature and assess their overall condition.

    During the examination, the doctor will check your child's temperature and assess their overall condition. They'll ask about when symptoms started, whether your child has been around others with similar symptoms, and how well they're eating and drinking. The timing and progression of symptoms help confirm the diagnosis, as the fever typically comes first, followed by mouth sores, then the hand and foot rash.

  • 3

    Laboratory tests are rarely needed for typical cases, but occasionally doctors might order them if the diagnosis is uncertain or if complications are suspected.

    Laboratory tests are rarely needed for typical cases, but occasionally doctors might order them if the diagnosis is uncertain or if complications are suspected. A throat swab or stool sample can identify the specific virus, though this doesn't change treatment. Blood tests might be done if the doctor is concerned about dehydration or other complications, particularly in severe cases or when symptoms don't follow the usual pattern.

Complications

  • Most children with hand, foot and mouth disease recover completely without any lasting effects.
  • However, the most concerning immediate complication is dehydration, which can occur when painful mouth sores make children reluctant to drink fluids.
  • Watch for signs like decreased urination, dry mouth, excessive sleepiness, or crying without tears, and contact your doctor if you notice these symptoms.
  • Rare but serious complications can occur, particularly with certain strains like enterovirus 71.
  • These may include viral meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord), encephalitis (brain inflammation), or myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation).
  • Seek immediate medical attention if your child develops severe headache, neck stiffness, persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or extreme lethargy.
  • Fortunately, these severe complications affect less than 1% of children with hand, foot and mouth disease.

Prevention

  • The best defense against hand, foot and mouth disease is thorough, frequent handwashing.
  • Teach children to wash their hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, after blowing their nose, and when coming home from public places.
  • Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can substitute when soap and water aren't available, though handwashing is more effective against these viruses.
  • Since the virus spreads easily through contaminated surfaces, regular cleaning and disinfecting of common areas becomes essential during outbreaks.
  • Focus on frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, toys, and playground equipment.
  • Use household disinfectants that specifically mention effectiveness against enteroviruses.
  • In daycare settings, staff should follow strict hygiene protocols, including proper diaper changing procedures and immediate cleanup of any bodily fluids.
  • While you can't completely prevent exposure to these common viruses, avoiding close contact with obviously sick individuals and teaching children not to share cups, utensils, or personal items helps reduce transmission risk.
  • During known outbreaks in your community, consider limiting your child's exposure to crowded places if possible.
  • Remember that infected people can spread the virus even before symptoms appear and for weeks after recovery, making complete prevention challenging.

Treatment Approaches

Since hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by a virus, antibiotics won't help and there's no specific antiviral medication for most cases.

Since hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by a virus, antibiotics won't help and there's no specific antiviral medication for most cases. Treatment focuses on keeping your child comfortable while their immune system fights off the infection. Most children recover completely within 7 to 10 days with supportive care at home.

MedicationAntibiotic

Pain and fever management forms the cornerstone of treatment.

Pain and fever management forms the cornerstone of treatment. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and ease the discomfort from mouth sores, making it easier for children to eat and drink. Always follow age-appropriate dosing instructions and avoid giving aspirin to children, as this can cause serious complications. Some parents find that alternating between the two medications provides better relief, but check with your pediatrician first.

Medication

Keeping your child hydrated is crucial, especially when mouth sores make swallowing painful.

Keeping your child hydrated is crucial, especially when mouth sores make swallowing painful. Offer cool, soft foods like ice cream, smoothies, yogurt, and applesauce. Cold liquids often feel soothing on sore throats. Avoid acidic or spicy foods that might irritate mouth sores. Popsicles can provide both hydration and pain relief. If your child refuses to drink, try offering small, frequent sips rather than large amounts at once.

For mouth pain, some doctors recommend salt water rinses for older children who can gargle without swallowing.

For mouth pain, some doctors recommend salt water rinses for older children who can gargle without swallowing. Over-the-counter oral pain gels designed for teething babies might provide temporary relief for younger children, though use these sparingly. Keep your child home from school or daycare until they've been fever-free for 24 hours and any open blisters have dried up to prevent spreading the infection to others.

Home RemedyDaily Care

Living With Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Managing hand, foot and mouth disease at home requires patience and creativity to keep your child comfortable during the 7-10 day recovery period. Create a calm, soothing environment where your child can rest as much as needed. Many children feel cranky and clingy during this illness, so expect to provide extra comfort and attention. Reading books, watching quiet movies, or doing gentle activities together can help pass the time.

Meal planning becomes crucial when mouth sores make eating painful.Meal planning becomes crucial when mouth sores make eating painful. Stock up on soft, cool foods that won't irritate sore spots: - Smoothies and milkshakes - Plain yogurt or pudding - Mashed bananas or applesauce - Ice cream or frozen yogurt - Cool soup broths - Soft pasta with butter. Avoid citrus fruits, tomatoes, spicy foods, and anything with rough textures that might cause additional pain.
Keep the whole family healthy by maintaining strict hygiene practices throughout the illness and for several weeks after.Keep the whole family healthy by maintaining strict hygiene practices throughout the illness and for several weeks after. Wash everyone's hands frequently, don't share personal items, and clean surfaces regularly. Your child can return to normal activities once they've been fever-free for 24 hours and feel well enough to participate. Most children develop immunity to the specific virus strain that caused their illness, though they can still catch hand, foot and mouth disease from other virus types in the future.

Latest Medical Developments

Latest medical developments are being researched.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can adults catch hand, foot and mouth disease from their children?
Yes, adults can catch hand, foot and mouth disease, though it's less common and symptoms are often milder. Adults with weakened immune systems may experience more severe symptoms. Practice good hygiene when caring for infected children.
How long should my child stay home from school or daycare?
Keep your child home until they've been fever-free for 24 hours and any open blisters have dried and crusted over. This usually takes 5-7 days from the start of symptoms.
Is hand, foot and mouth disease the same as foot-and-mouth disease in animals?
No, these are completely different diseases caused by different viruses. Hand, foot and mouth disease in humans cannot spread to or from animals, and foot-and-mouth disease in livestock cannot infect people.
Can my child get hand, foot and mouth disease more than once?
Yes, because several different viruses can cause the disease. Having it once provides immunity only to that specific virus strain, so children can get infected with other strains later.
What should I do if my child refuses to eat or drink due to mouth pain?
Offer small, frequent sips of cool liquids and soft, non-acidic foods. Try popsicles, ice cream, or cold smoothies. Contact your pediatrician if signs of dehydration develop, such as decreased urination or extreme lethargy.
Are there any foods I should avoid giving my child?
Avoid acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and fruit juices, as well as spicy or salty foods that can irritate mouth sores. Stick to bland, soft, cool foods during the acute phase.
How can I tell if my child needs medical attention?
Seek medical care for signs of dehydration, difficulty breathing, severe headache, neck stiffness, or if your child seems unusually lethargic. Most cases can be managed at home with supportive care.
Can I use topical treatments on the mouth sores?
Some over-the-counter oral gels may provide temporary relief, but use them sparingly and only as directed. For older children, salt water rinses can be soothing. Always consult your pediatrician before trying new treatments.
How long do the blisters take to heal completely?
Mouth sores typically heal within a week, while hand and foot blisters may take 7-10 days to crust over and disappear. Some children may have peeling skin on hands and feet as they recover.
Should I be concerned about scarring from the blisters?
Scarring from hand, foot and mouth disease is extremely rare. The blisters are typically shallow and heal completely without leaving permanent marks. Keep the area clean and avoid picking at healing blisters.

Update History

Mar 5, 2026v1.0.1

  • Fixed narrative story opening in excerpt
  • Excerpt no longer starts with a named-character or scenario opening

Mar 2, 2026v1.0.0

  • Published page overview and treatments by DiseaseDirectory
Stay Informed

Sign up for our weekly newsletter

Get the latest health information, research breakthroughs, and patient stories delivered directly to your inbox.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.