Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: A Parent's Complete Guide
Everything parents need to know about hand, foot, and mouth disease in children — symptoms, treatment, contagion, and when to call your pediatrician.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is one of the most common childhood illnesses, especially in children under 5. While it looks alarming, it's usually mild and resolves on its own within 7–10 days.
What Causes It?
HFMD is caused by coxsackievirus, most commonly coxsackievirus A16 or enterovirus 71. It spreads through close contact, respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, and contact with blister fluid or stool.
Symptoms to Watch For
The illness typically starts with fever, sore throat, and reduced appetite. Within 1–2 days, painful sores develop in the mouth, followed by a rash on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks. The rash may appear as flat red spots or small blisters.
Home Treatment
There's no specific medication for HFMD — treatment focuses on comfort. Offer cold fluids (popsicles, smoothies, cold water) to soothe mouth sores. Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever. Avoid acidic or spicy foods that can irritate mouth sores. Watch for signs of dehydration.
How Long Is It Contagious?
Children are most contagious during the first week of illness but can spread the virus for weeks through stool. Good hand hygiene is essential. Children can return to school or daycare when fever has resolved and mouth sores are healed enough to eat and drink comfortably.
When to Call Your Pediatrician
Contact American Pediatrics if your child refuses to drink for more than a few hours, has fewer wet diapers than usual, develops a high fever lasting more than 3 days, or if symptoms worsen rather than improve after the first few days.
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