Hand Foot and Mouth Disease in Children – What Parents Need to Know

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is one of those illnesses almost every parent will deal with at some point – and it can be quite confronting. Here’s everything you need to know to feel confident managing it at home.

What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common but highly contagious viral infection caused by enteroviruses, including the Coxsackievirus. It causes a rash with spots or blisters on the hands, feet and buttocks, along with mouth ulcers that can make eating and drinking quite painful for little ones.

It mainly occurs in children under 10, but anyone can catch it – and yes, adults can get it too, though symptoms are usually milder. Despite the name, it has absolutely no relation to foot-and-mouth disease in animals.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms usually appear 3–5 days after contact with an infected person and may include:

• A rash with spots or blisters on the hands, feet and buttocks
• Blisters around the mouth and ulcers inside the mouth, on the gums and sides of the tongue
• In babies, blisters can sometimes appear in the nappy area
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Tiredness and irritability
• Poor sleep
• Going off food and drink

The mouth ulcers are often the most uncomfortable part – many children are quite grumpy while unwell, and it can be hard to keep them drinking enough fluids.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease usually lasts 7 to 10 days.

How does it spread?

HFMD is highly contagious and spreads through:

• Direct contact with fluid from blisters
• Saliva and nose/throat discharge
• Droplets from coughing or sneezing
• Contact with contaminated surfaces or objects like toys and cups
• Faeces (poo) – the virus can be shed for several weeks after blisters resolve

Outbreaks commonly occur in childcare settings where children are in close contact with each other.

How do you treat HFMD at home?

There’s no specific treatment – antibiotics won’t help as it’s a virus. The good news is that most children recover well at home. Here’s how to keep them comfortable:

• Keep fluids up – offer frequent sips of water or rehydration fluids like electrolytes. If your child won’t drink, try an icy pole – it soothes the mouth and counts as fluids!
• Pain relief – give paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed. Do not give aspirin to children
• Leave blisters alone – let them dry naturally, do not pierce or squeeze them
• Avoid acidic drinks like orange juice, which can irritate mouth ulcers

A note on babies: If your baby refuses to drink, you may need to offer fluids with a syringe in small amounts. If you’re concerned they’re not getting enough, see your doctor.

How do you prevent Hand, Foot, and Mouth spreading?

Good hygiene is the best protection:

• Keep sick children home while unwell
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after going to the toilet, before eating, after wiping noses and after nappy changes
• Avoid sharing cups, utensils, towels, toothbrushes and clothing
• Thoroughly wash any soiled clothing, surfaces, or toys that may be contaminated
• Teach children good cough and sneeze etiquette – into a tissue or elbow, not hands

When should I call 000?

Call an ambulance immediately if your child has a fever AND a rash that does not turn skin colour when you press on it – this can be a sign of meningococcal infection and needs urgent attention.

When should I go to the hospital?

Go to your nearest emergency department if:

• Fever of 38°C or above lasting 72 hours or more
• Abnormal or jerking movements
• Rapid breathing
• Excessive tiredness or drowsiness
• Excessive irritability
• Difficulty walking
• Refusing fluids due to painful mouth sores
• You are worried for any reason – always trust your instincts

Can my child go to childcare or school?

No – keep your child home from childcare or school until their blisters have dried up, any rash has gone, and their fever has settled. During this time, also avoid swimming lessons and playgrounds where they’ll be in close contact with other children.

Please also let your childcare centre or school principal know so they can alert other families.

Can you get Hand, Foot, and Mouth more than once?

Yes! Because there are different strains of the virus, your child can get it more than once. Subsequent infections are usually milder, though.

Can adults get Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

Yes, but it’s usually much milder than in children. Many adults are exposed without even getting symptoms.

Is Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease dangerous for pregnant women?

While hand, foot, and mouth disease is not known to be dangerous for pregnant women or their unborn babies, infected mothers and siblings can pass the infection to newborn babies who can rarely experience severe disease. If you’re pregnant and have been exposed, speak to your midwife or doctor.

Does Hand, Foot, and Mouth affect eczema?

It can – HFMD can sometimes cause eczema to flare up, so keep an eye on your child’s skin during and after the illness.

Is there a vaccine for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

No – there is currently no vaccine available to prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease.

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References:

1. Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. (2025). Hand, foot and mouth disease. The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. Retrieved from https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/hand_foot_and_mouth_disease/
2. NSW Government. (2022). Hand, foot and mouth disease fact sheet. NSW Health. Retrieved from https://www.health.nsw.gov.au