Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is one of those childhood illnesses that catches most parents off guard — until the day it lands in your own house. It’s extremely common, usually mild, and almost every family meets it at some point. Here’s everything you need to know about Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, from spotting the first signs to knowing when it’s time to see a doctor.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is caused by a virus (most often an enterovirus) and is most common in children under 10, though adults can catch it too. It gets its name from where the rash typically appears — the palms of the hands and soles of the feet — and it’s also common to develop small ulcers inside the mouth.
What Are the Symptoms of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease doesn’t look exactly the same on every child. Some children get the full picture — rash, mouth ulcers and a temperature — while others barely show any symptoms at all.
Symptoms usually start to appear around three days after infection and can last up to 10 days.
Early symptoms can include:
- A sore throat
- Loss of appetite
- A high temperature
- Feeling generally unwell
- Tiny red spots appearing in the mouth
Later symptoms can include:
- Mouth ulcers — the early red spots often develop into painful sores, particularly on the tongue, throat and inside the gums.
- A non-itchy rash — spots can be flat or raised, and some form small blisters. The rash typically appears on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, and in rarer cases on the legs or nappy area.
How Do I Help My Child Feel Better?
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is caused by a virus, so it simply needs to run its course — usually 7 to 10 days. In the meantime, there’s plenty you can do at home to keep your child comfortable:
- Encourage plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, especially if mouth ulcers are making swallowing uncomfortable.
- Offer soft, plain foods and avoid citrus, acidic or spicy foods and drinks, which can sting mouth ulcers.
- Cold foods such as yoghurt or ice lollies can be soothing and help keep fluids up.
- Let your child rest as much as they need to.
- Speak to your pharmacist or GP for advice on appropriate pain relief if your child is uncomfortable.
Is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Contagious?
Yes — it’s highly contagious. It spreads easily through close contact with an infected person, including through coughs and sneezes, and via contact with faeces (which is why nappy changes and handwashing matter so much).
Unlike chickenpox, which most people only catch once, it’s possible to catch Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease more than once, since there are several different viruses that can cause it.
A person is typically most infectious in the few days before symptoms appear, and can remain infectious for several days afterwards.
Can I Prevent My Child Catching It?
Because the virus spreads so easily, avoiding close contact with someone who’s infected is the most effective form of prevention. Beyond that, good hygiene habits go a long way:
- Wash hands often and thoroughly, especially after nappy changes and before eating
- Use tissues for coughs and sneezes and bin them straight away
- Avoid sharing cups, utensils or towels with someone who’s unwell
Most childcare settings and schools recommend keeping a child at home while they’re unwell and until the spots have cleared and they’re feeling well enough to return to normal activities. If you’re unsure of your school or creche’s specific policy, it’s worth checking with them directly.
How Long Will My Child Be Sick?
The good news is that Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is usually short-lived. In most cases, no specific treatment is needed — the immune system clears the virus and symptoms ease within about 7 to 10 days.
Should I Bring My Child to the Doctor?
If you’re at all concerned, it’s always worth checking in with your GP. A doctor can usually diagnose Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease just by looking at the rash, though occasionally a throat swab may be sent for testing.
It’s a good idea to see a GP if your child:
- Shows signs of dehydration (such as noticeably less wet nappies or reduced urination)
- Has a high temperature that isn’t settling
- Isn’t improving after 7 to 10 days
If you contract the virus while pregnant, check in with your GP or midwife too, just to be on the safe side.
Are There Any Complications?
Most cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease pass without any complications, but it’s useful to know what to look out for.
More common, milder issues include:
- Dehydration — mouth ulcers can make swallowing uncomfortable, so keeping fluids up is important. Cold foods like ice lollies or frozen yoghurt can help.
- Skin infection — if a spot is scratched and becomes infected, a GP can advise on the best next steps.
In much rarer cases, more serious complications can occur, including:
- Viral meningitis — an infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord, generally milder than bacterial meningitis. Most people recover fully within a couple of weeks.
- Encephalitis — a very rare but serious infection causing inflammation of the brain tissue. With hospital treatment, most patients make a full recovery.
If you’re ever worried your child seems seriously unwell, trust your instincts and seek medical advice promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease serious?
For most children, it’s a mild illness that clears up on its own within 7 to 10 days. Serious complications are rare, but it’s always worth contacting your GP if you’re concerned.
How long is my child contagious for?
A person can be infectious for a few days before symptoms appear and for several days afterwards, so good hygiene habits are important throughout.
Can adults catch Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?
Yes, adults can catch it too, although it’s most commonly seen in young children.
Can you catch it more than once?
Yes. Because several different viruses can cause Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, it’s possible to catch it again, unlike illnesses such as chickenpox.
When should my child go back to school or creche?
Generally once they’re feeling well enough and the spots have cleared — though it’s worth checking your specific school or creche’s policy, as this can vary.
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