Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common, usually mild viral illness affecting mainly young children, causing sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. It typically resolves on its own within about a week.

• Fever
• Painful sores or ulcers in the mouth, which can make eating and drinking uncomfortable
• A rash of small blisters or spots on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks
• Reduced appetite and general irritability in young children
• Sore throat

• Caused by viruses, most commonly coxsackievirus, spread through close contact, respiratory droplets, or contact with fluid from blisters or contaminated surfaces.
• Most common in children under five, though it can occur at any age.
• Highly contagious, particularly in childcare and school settings.

• Diagnosed clinically based on the characteristic pattern of mouth sores together with a rash on the hands and feet in a young child.

There is no specific antiviral treatment; management is supportive with adequate fluids, paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and discomfort, and soft, cool foods that are easier to eat with mouth sores.

Most children recover fully within about a week without complications.

Ensuring adequate fluid intake is particularly important, as painful mouth sores can lead some children to refuse drinking, increasing the risk of dehydration.

Medical assessment is recommended if a child shows signs of dehydration, has a high or persistent fever, or seems unusually unwell.

• Practise good hand hygiene, particularly after nappy changes and before eating.
• Avoid close contact with an infected child, and clean shared toys and surfaces regularly.
• Keep children with active symptoms away from childcare or school until they are feeling better and any fever has resolved, per local facility guidance.
• Encourage frequent, small amounts of fluid, even if the child is reluctant due to mouth soreness.