Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (2024)

The first symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease can be:

• Sore throat
• High temperature
• Loss of appetite

This might then develop into a second stage of symptoms, including:

• Mouth ulcers
• A raised rash of spots or blisters on the hands and feet and sometimes the groin area and bottom

Usually, your child will not need to see a GP and the symptoms will get better after seven to 10 days. It cannot be treated with antibiotics or other medicines.

There are things you can do to help ease the symptoms, including:

• Get them to drink cool fluids to soothe the mouth and prevent dehydration - but avoid acidic drinks, such as fruit juice. You could also try ice lollies
• Give them soft foods, such as yoghurt, soup, and ice cream, and avoid salty and spicy foods
• Give paracetamol or ibuprofen to help ease a sore mouth or throat

You can also ask a pharmacist for advice about pain relief treatments, such as mouth ulcer gels, sprays and mouthwashes.

The spread of hand, foot and mouth disease is hard to control as someone can be infectious before the rash appears. It can be spread through coughing, sneezing or direct contact with fluid from blisters. The virus can also be passed on in poo for up to two months, so it is particularly important to wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet.

To reduce the risk of spreading the disease:

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water
• Use tissues to trap germs when coughing or sneezing
• Put used tissues in a bin straight away
• Do not share towels or household items like cups or cutlery
• Wash soiled bedding and clothing on a hot wash

If your child feels unwell, you should keep them away from their school or nursery. As soon as they are feeling better, they can go back - you do not have to wait until the blisters have healed. It is best, however, to check with the school or nursery what their policy is regarding hand, foot and mouth disease.

Catching hand, foot and mouth disease in the three weeks before you give birth could mean that a mild version of the disease is passed on to your baby.

While there is usually no risk to your baby or your pregnancy, it is best to avoid contact with anyone who has the disease while you are pregnant. If you have been in contact with someone who has the disease, speak to a GP or your midwife.