Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common illness in young children, especially during the late summer and fall months. While it can sound concerning, most cases are mild and children recover fully within a week to 10 days. Knowing the signs and when to seek medical care can help you support your child through the illness.
What is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?
HFMD is a contagious viral illness most often caused by coxsackievirus. It mainly affects infants and children under 5 years old, though older kids and even adults can sometimes catch it.
“Hand, foot and mouth disease is something we see quite often in young children,” said Lori Sondrol, MD, FAAP at Altru. “While it can look alarming with the rash and mouth sores, it’s typically a mild illness. The biggest concern is making sure children stay hydrated and comfortable while their body fights the virus.”
Symptoms of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Symptoms usually appear 3 to 6 days after exposure. The most common signs include:
- Fever – often the first symptom
- Sore throat
- Painful mouth sores – small red spots that may turn into blisters
- Skin rash – flat or raised red spots, sometimes with blisters, on the palms of hands, soles of feet, knees, elbows or buttocks
- Irritability and loss of appetite – due to mouth discomfort
Not every child will have all of these symptoms, but the combination of fever, mouth sores and a rash on the hands and feet is characteristic.
How HFMD is Spread
The virus spreads easily, especially in childcare settings. It can be passed through:
- Direct contact with nose and throat secretions (saliva, runny nose, coughs)
- Fluid from blisters
- Stool of an infected person (often during diaper changes)
- Touching contaminated surfaces or objects
Children are most contagious during the first week of illness, but the virus can sometimes remain in the body for weeks after symptoms go away.
Caring for a Child with HFMD
There is no specific treatment for HFMD. Care focuses on relieving discomfort:
- Offer plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Cold drinks and popsicles can soothe a sore throat.
- Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and pain (never give aspirin to children).
- Encourage rest.
When to Seek Medical Care
Most cases are mild, but contact your child’s pediatrician if you notice:
- Signs of dehydration – dry mouth, no tears when crying, fewer wet diapers or trips to the bathroom
- A fever lasting more than three days
- Severe sore throat or refusal to drink fluids
- Unusual drowsiness, irritability or worsening symptoms
- Concern about symptoms in a newborn or infant under 6 months
“As a parent, you know your child best,” said Dr. Sondrol. “If you notice they’re not drinking fluids, seem unusually tired, or their fever just isn’t improving, that’s the time to reach out. We’re here to help ease your worries and make sure your child is on the path to recovery.”
Prevention Tips
Good hygiene is the best protection against HFMD:
- Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after diaper changes and before meals
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and toys
- Teach children to cover coughs and sneezes
- Keep children home from daycare or school while they have fever, mouth sores or open blisters
Hand, foot and mouth disease is usually mild, but it can be uncomfortable for children. With supportive care and attention to hydration, most kids recover quickly. And if you’re ever unsure, Altru’s pediatric team is here to support you and your child every step of the way.
If you have concerns about your child, don’t hesitate to schedule with your pediatrician by using MyChart.