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Spots on the hands, feet, and in the mouth

Also called: Hand, foot, and mouth disease

Spots or blisters on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth, often with fever, are a sign of hand, foot, and mouth disease. It's common in young children and usually clears in 7 to 10 days.

Common causesCoxsackie virus
Usually serious?Usually not
Get checked ifNot drinking, or very sleepy
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Possible poisoning or something swallowed? Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Overview

Mouth sores can make eating and drinking painful.

It spreads easily in daycare.

When to get medical care

Call 911Stiff neck, seizure, or very hard to wake.
Get care todayNot drinking or signs of dehydration (no pee in 8 hours). Fever over 3 days.
See a doctor soonSymptoms lasting more than 10 days.

Causes

Caused by enteroviruses like coxsackie.

OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause spots on the hands, feet, and in the mouth. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

  • Hand, foot, and mouth diseaseOften treated at home

    A common viral illness in young children that causes fever, painful mouth sores, and a spotty rash on the hands and feet.

What you can do at home

  • Offer cold drinks and soft foods.
  • Wash hands often.
  • Rest.

Medicines

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever.

At the doctor

Diagnosed by exam.

Questions you may be asked

  • Fever
  • Drinking

The exam

A mouth and skin exam.

Tests

  • Usually none

Prevention

Lower spread.

  • Wash hands
  • Clean toys

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

Start the symptom checker

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.