Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

What Is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a mild but highly contagious viral infection most common in children under 5 years old. It spreads easily in childcare settings, schools and households through contact with saliva, mucus or fluid from blisters.

HFMD causes small, painful blisters or rashes on the hands, feet and inside the mouth, hence the name. While symptoms can be uncomfortable, HFMD is typically mild and self-limiting. Most people recover fully without medical treatment.

Though more frequent in children, adults who haven’t been exposed to the virus can also get HFMD. Outbreaks are most common in summer and early fall.

What Causes Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?

HFMD is caused by viruses in the enterovirus group, most often Coxsackievirus A16, but sometimes Enterovirus 71 (EV71). These viruses spread through:

• Close personal contact such as hugging, kissing or sharing cups and utensils
• Respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes
• Contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
• Fecal exposure, such as during diaper changes
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Once infected, the virus can live in the body for several weeks even after symptoms fade, so people can spread it without realizing they’re contagious.

Signs and Symptoms of HFMD

 Symptoms usually begin 3–6 days after exposure, also known as the incubation period, and may include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Fatigue or irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Painful red spots or blisters inside the mouth, especially on the tongue, gums and inner cheeks
• Rash or blisters on palms, soles of the feet and sometimes the buttocks or genitals
  
  

These rashes may look like small red dots or fluid-filled blisters. The mouth sores can make swallowing painful, so children may refuse food or fluids.

While rare, Enterovirus 71 infections can cause more severe complications such as viral meningitis or encephalitis. Seek medical attention if a child has persistent fever, neck stiffness, confusion or trouble breathing.

How Is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Diagnosed?

HFMD is usually diagnosed through a physical exam. A health care provider can identify the illness by the characteristic rash and blisters.

In some cases, the provider may:

• Swab the throat or collect a stool sample to confirm the virus
• Rule out other conditions like chicken pox, herpes or strep throat
  
  

Because symptoms overlap with other childhood rashes, professional evaluation ensures an accurate diagnosis and peace of mind for parents.

There is no specific cure for HFMD, but symptoms can be managed at home to keep children comfortable.

At-Home Care

• Keep your child well-hydrated with cool fluids like water, milk or ice pops.
• Avoid acidic foods, like citrus or tomato, that can irritate mouth sores.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) for fever and discomfort. Avoid aspirin in children.
• Encourage rest to support the immune system.
• Use gentle mouth rinses or saltwater gargles to ease throat pain (for older children and adults).
  
  

Medical Treatment

Most cases resolve without medical intervention. However, if blisters become infected, or symptoms persist beyond 10 days, a health care provider may recommend:

• Prescription pain relief for severe mouth sores
• Topical oral gels for comfort
• Hospital observation in rare cases of dehydration or neurological complications

Since HFMD spreads easily, prevention focuses on good hygiene and infection control:

• Wash hands often especially after diaper changes, using the bathroom or before eating.
• Disinfect commonly touched surfaces like toys, doorknobs and tables.
• Avoid sharing utensils, cups, towels or toothbrushes.
• Keep infected children home from school or daycare until blisters heal and fever is gone.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, instead of hands.
  
  

Adults caring for young children should be especially careful, as reinfection can occur with different virus strains.

If you or your child develop symptoms of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, contact your primary care provider for guidance. While most cases are mild, it’s important to stay hydrated and watch for signs of worsening symptoms or complications.

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