Medical disclaimer, this guide is for general education, not a diagnosis. Always follow your pediatrician’s advice.
Contents
What is HFMD
Hand, foot, and mouth disease, HFMD, is a common viral illness in young children. It usually causes a short fever, painful mouth sores, and a rash on the hands and feet. Most kids recover in 7 to 10 days with home care.
HFMD is caused by enteroviruses, often coxsackievirus A16, but other enteroviruses can cause it. Adults can get it too, yet it is most common in children under five.
Key symptoms
- Early cold-like signs, fever, sore throat, low energy
- Painful mouth sores on the tongue, gums, inner cheeks
- Rash or small blisters on palms and soles, sometimes buttocks or legs
- Main risk is dehydration due to mouth pain and poor drinking
How it spreads
HFMD spreads through saliva, respiratory droplets, fluid from blisters, and stool, for example during diaper changes. Kids are most contagious in the first week, but the virus can shed in stool for weeks.
Home care that helps
- Use age-appropriate acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed by your pediatrician
- Offer cool fluids and soft foods, avoid acidic or spicy items
- Watch hydration closely, give frequent small sips and ice pops
- Rest, gentle mouth care, and simple routines help comfort
To protect the family, wash hands often, clean high-touch surfaces, avoid sharing cups or utensils, and keep your child home while feverish.
Helpful on All Mom Needs
When kids can go back
Kids can usually return when fever is gone and they feel well enough to join activities, often after two to three days. If blisters are widespread or still weeping, some schools may ask you to wait until the skin dries, often about a week. Follow your school or nursery policy.
When to call the doctor
- Signs of dehydration, very little urine, dry mouth, no tears, refusing fluids
- Fever lasting more than three days or severe pain
- Unusual sleepiness or irritability
- Emergency signs, stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, trouble breathing, very hard to wake
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors usually diagnose HFMD based on the history and the exam, fever, mouth ulcers, and the typical rash. Lab tests are rarely needed unless symptoms are unusual or severe.
Prevention basics
- Frequent handwashing with soap and water
- Clean toys and high-touch surfaces
- Teach kids to cover coughs and sneezes
- Keep symptomatic children home during fever and early illness
What HFMD is not
HFMD in people is not the same as the animal illness called foot-and-mouth disease. The animal disease does not infect humans, and human HFMD does not infect livestock.
FAQs
How long does HFMD last
Most children recover in seven to ten days. Mouth pain peaks early, then the rash clears. Sometimes fingernails or toenails peel weeks later and heal without treatment.
Can adults get HFMD
Yes. Parents and caregivers can catch it. Illness in adults is often milder, yet the same hygiene steps apply.
Is HFMD dangerous during pregnancy
Complications are rare. If you are pregnant and have symptoms or a known exposure, contact your obstetric provider for advice.
