Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: What Parents Need To Know

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common viral illness that usually affects infants and children younger than 5 years old. Symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease include fever, blister-like sores in the mouth and a skin rash. It’s highly contagious. Read on to learn more about hand, foot and mouth disease and what parents need to know if your child ever contracts the disease.

In this blog:

• What is hand, foot and mouth disease?
• Hand, foot and mouth disease symptoms
• How long is hand, foot and mouth disease contagious?
• How long does hand, foot and mouth disease last?
• Hand, foot and mouth disease treatments
• Signs of recovery from hand, foot and mouth disease
• What should I do if my child gets hand, foot and mouth disease?
• When should I call a doctor?

What is hand, foot and mouth disease?

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a type of contagious, viral infection. It’s often confused with foot-and-mouth disease (also called hoof-and-mouth disease), a disease affecting cattle, sheep and swine. However, the two diseases are caused by different viruses and aren’t related.

While hand, foot and mouth disease can affect older kids and even adults, it’s most common in babies and young children. It usually causes a mild fever, followed by a sore throat and a rash with small blisters on the hands, feet and inside the mouth. 

The most common cause of hand, foot and mouth disease is coxsackievirus A16, a type of virus in the enterovirus family. This virus spreads easily through saliva, mucus and stool, especially in places like daycares, schools or playgrounds where young children are in close contact. While uncomfortable, the disease is usually mild and clears up on its own within 7 to 10 days.

Eary signs of hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease often starts like a mild illness, making it easy to confuse with a cold or flu at first. Most children develop symptoms 3 to 6 days after being exposed to the virus.

Hand, foot and mouth disease symptoms

The initial symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease include:

• Fever: Usually mild (under 101–102°F)
• Malaise (feeling under the weather): Your child may seem off or cranky, which is often the first sign something is amiss
• Poor appetite: Not eating, or eating less than usual, is common in babies and toddlers
• Sore throat

How hand, foot and mouth disease progresses

Within 2 days, symptoms typically progress to include:

• Painful blisters or ulcers in the mouth: These sores may appear on the tongue, gums and inner cheeks and may make it hard for children to eat, drink or even swallow comfortably. Drooling or refusing food may be a clue in younger children.
• Rash that develops on the hands and feet (flat or raised spots or blisters), knees, elbows, buttocks and/or genital area: A red, spotty rash can turn into small blisters but don’t usually itch. In some cases, the rash may peel after a few days as the child recovers.

Be on the lookout for these hand, foot and mouth disease symptoms:

• Signs of dehydration like dry lips, no tears when crying or fewer wet diapers
• High fever (over 102°F) lasting more than a few days
• Unusual sleepiness, irritability or symptoms getting worse
• Signs of blister infection, such as the rash becoming red, warm or filled with pus

How long is hand, foot and mouth disease contagious?

Hand, foot and mouth disease is highly contagious and is spread from person to person. The period of contagion is the highest during the first week of the illness; however, the disease can stay in the body for weeks after all symptoms are gone and still spread the disease. Until their fever is gone and mouth sores or blisters are healing, keep your child out of daycare, school and group settings to avoid spreading the virus as much as possible.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is spread through:

• Nose secretions (coughs, sneezes, runny nose)
• Saliva (coughs, sneezes, drool, mouthing toys)
• Blister fluids (when blisters drain or open)
• Feces (during diaper changes, checking diapers, toilet training)

Adults with no symptoms may also be spreading the virus without knowing they have the disease. While adults are less likely to catch it, it does happen, especially if they haven’t had it before or have close contact with an infected child.

If your child has hand, foot and mouth disease, the best ways to protect yourself include:

• Washing hands often and thoroughly: Use soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers, wiping noses or cleaning up drool.
• Avoid sharing personal items. Don’t share cups, utensils, towels, toothbrushes or food while your child is sick.
• Disinfect surfaces daily. Clean high-touch areas like doorknobs, toys, counters and bathroom surfaces with disinfectant.
• Handle diapers and tissues carefully. Wear gloves if needed and always wash hands afterward. The virus is found in stool, saliva and mucus.
• Avoid close contact. Snuggles are hard to resist when your child is sick but try to limit kisses and face-to-face contact while symptoms are active.

How long does hand, foot and mouth disease last?

Most cases of hand, foot and mouth disease last about 7 to 10 days from the time symptoms start. Most children recover without complications, but if your child’s symptoms last longer than 10 days or seem to get worse, it’s a good idea to check in with your pediatrician.

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