Quick answer
What is hand, foot and mouth disease?
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common mild viral infection in young children. It causes mouth ulcers, a raised rash on the hands and feet, and sometimes a high temperature. Most children recover within 7 to 10 days with rest, fluids and pain relief — no specific medicine is needed.
What is hand, foot and mouth disease?
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a mild viral infection that mainly affects young children. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with foot-and-mouth disease in animals — they are completely different illnesses caused by different viruses.
It is very common in nurseries and primary schools and usually clears up on its own within a week or so.
Symptoms
Symptoms can include:
- a sore throat and reduced appetite
- a high temperature
- painful mouth ulcers — often on the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks
- a rash of small red spots or blisters on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and sometimes the buttocks or groin
Not every child gets all of these symptoms. Some have only a few mouth ulcers and a mild rash.
How it spreads
The virus spreads through coughs, sneezes, saliva, blister fluid and stool. Outbreaks are common where young children gather. Good hand hygiene — especially after nappy changes — helps reduce spread.
Caring for your child at home
There is no specific treatment, but you can ease symptoms:
- Fluids — the priority if mouth ulcers make eating difficult. Ice lollies, milk and water are often better tolerated than hot or acidic drinks.
- Soft, cool food — yoghurt, pasta, mashed potato.
- Pain relief — paracetamol or ibuprofen for children, following age-appropriate dosing on the packet.
- Rest — let them take it easy while they feel unwell.
Most children recover fully without seeing a doctor.
When to seek advice
Contact a GP if your child is not drinking enough, is getting worse rather than better after about a week, or seems unusually unwell. Dehydration is the main concern when mouth ulcers make swallowing painful.
Returning to school or nursery
Keep your child home while they have a high temperature or feel too unwell to take part in normal activities. Once they feel better, they can usually return even if some spots remain — check your setting’s policy.
Common questions
- What are the first signs of hand, foot and mouth disease?
- It often starts with a sore throat, reduced appetite and a raised temperature. Painful mouth ulcers usually follow, then a rash of small spots or blisters on the palms, soles and sometimes the buttocks.
- Is hand, foot and mouth disease contagious?
- Yes. It spreads through coughs, sneezes, saliva and contact with blister fluid or stool. Children are most infectious in the first few days of illness but can pass it on for longer.
- How can I help my child eat and drink?
- Offer cool, soft foods and frequent small drinks. Avoid acidic or salty foods that sting ulcers. Paracetamol or ibuprofen (if age-appropriate) can ease pain — follow the packet instructions.
- When can my child return to nursery or school?
- There is no need to stay off until every spot has gone, but keep them home while they feel unwell or have a high temperature. Check your nursery or school policy as guidance can vary.
- Can adults catch hand, foot and mouth disease?
- Yes, though it is less common. Adults may have milder symptoms or sore hands and feet without mouth ulcers. It is still worth resting and staying hydrated.