Hand, foot, and mouth disease

Overview

Fever and sore throat often come first, then mouth sores and the rash. Adults can catch it too.

Painful mouth sores can make children refuse to drink. Weeks later, fingernails sometimes peel; this is harmless.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Mouth sores
• Rash on hands and feet
• Spots on the hands, feet, and in the mouth

Less common

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Fussiness

Look up a symptom: Fever

When to get medical care

Causes

Viruses spread by saliva, mucus, stool, and blister fluid.

Does it spread or run in families?

• Yes, it can spread from person to person.
• How it spreads: coughs, sneezes, saliva, blister fluid, or stool.
• Washing hands often and staying home when sick help protect others.

Who is more likely to get it

• Children under 5
• Daycare

Possible complications

• Dehydration

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on how it looks.

Questions you may be asked

• Drinking and peeing
• Others sick at daycare

The exam

Checking the mouth, hands, and feet.

Treatment

Comfort care while it runs its course.

Self-care

• Offer cold drinks, popsicles, and soft, bland foods
• Avoid salty, spicy, or acidic foods
• Use pain or fever medicine
• Wash hands well, especially after diaper changes
• Don't pop blisters

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To prevent spread:

• Handwashing
• Clean toys and surfaces

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Stay home while there's a fever or drooling from mouth sores.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Almost all children recover fully.

Myths and facts

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• When can my child go back to daycare?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Hand, foot, and mouth disease