Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common viral infection in young children that causes painful sores in the mouth and a blister-like rash on the hands and feet. It is usually mild and clears up within about 7 to 10 days without specific treatment, but the mouth sores can make eating and drinking uncomfortable, so the main goal is keeping your child comfortable and hydrated.
It is most often caused by coxsackieviruses and is most common in children under 5, particularly in childcare and preschool settings. This guide explains what to look for, how to ease mouth pain, and when to seek medical advice.
Key takeaways
- Typical signs include a mild fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers and a rash on the palms and soles.
- It is highly contagious and spreads through saliva, fluid from blisters and faeces.
- There is no specific cure, and most children recover in a week to ten days.
- Fluids matter most. Offer cool drinks and soft, bland foods.
- See a doctor if your child is very drowsy, will not drink, or if you are unsure of the cause.
What does it look like?
Symptoms often start with a mild fever, tiredness and reduced appetite. One to two days later, small red spots turn into painful ulcers on the tongue, gums and inside the cheeks. A rash of flat or raised spots, sometimes with blisters, often appears on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, and sometimes on the buttocks.
How is it different from other mouth sores?
| Condition | Where sores appear | Other signs |
|---|---|---|
| Hand, foot and mouth disease | Tongue, gums, cheeks, throat | Rash on hands and feet, mild fever |
| Cold sores (herpes simplex) | Lips and around the mouth | Tingling before blisters, may recur |
| Common mouth ulcers | Single ulcers inside the mouth | No rash, no fever |
| Herpangina | Back of the mouth and throat | Fever, sore throat, no rash on the hands |
Our guides to cold sores versus mouth ulcers and mouth ulcers cover those conditions in more detail.
How does it spread?
The viruses pass through coughs and sneezes, saliva on shared toys or cups, fluid from blisters, and nappy changes. Children are most contagious in the first week, although the virus can remain in faeces for several weeks. Good handwashing after nappy changes and toileting is the best protection.
Easing mouth pain at home
- Offer cool fluids. Water, milk and icy poles can soothe the mouth.
- Choose soft, bland foods. Yoghurt, mashed potato and custard are easier than crunchy or salty foods.
- Avoid acidic or spicy foods. Citrus juice and tomato can sting.
- Use age-appropriate pain relief. Paracetamol or ibuprofen may be suitable, but follow the label and check with a pharmacist or doctor for your child's age and weight.
- Keep brushing gentle. Use a soft toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste, and avoid the sores.
- Let your child rest. Fatigue is common.
Some pharmacy gels are not suitable for young children, so ask a pharmacist before using a numbing product.
When to see a doctor
- Your child refuses to drink or has signs of dehydration, such as very few wet nappies, dry lips or sunken eyes.
- The fever lasts more than three days or is high.
- Your child is unusually drowsy, has a stiff neck, a severe headache or breathing difficulty.
- Your child is under 6 months or has a weakened immune system.
- The sores last longer than 10 days.
Returning to childcare and school
Australian health guidance generally advises that children stay home until all blisters have dried. Handwashing and cleaning shared toys and surfaces helps reduce spread within the family.
Can it affect teeth?
The infection does not damage teeth, but nail changes and rarely other complications can follow weeks later. A sore mouth can make brushing harder, and a few days of poor brushing is not a problem if you return to the routine as soon as your child is comfortable. See our guide to your child's first dental visit and teething symptoms, because teething can also cause drooling and irritability that parents sometimes confuse with this illness.
Frequently asked questions
Is hand, foot and mouth disease dangerous?
It is usually mild. Complications are uncommon, but dehydration is the main concern in young children.
Can adults get it?
Yes, although adults tend to have milder symptoms. Parents sometimes catch it from their children.
How long are children contagious?
Mostly in the first week of illness, though virus can be shed in faeces for longer. Good hygiene is important throughout.
Should I take my child to the dentist?
A dentist is not needed for the infection itself, but if sores persist or you are unsure of the cause, a doctor or dentist can examine the mouth.
Can my child get it more than once?
Yes, because several viruses can cause it, so immunity to one does not protect against all.
Support for your child's smile
Once your child is well, routine dental check-ups help keep their teeth and gums healthy. The team at Lumi Dental can see children at our general dentistry service, and new patient information is on the current deals page.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. See your doctor if you are concerned about your child.
