Childhood Illnesses

Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease

Hand, foot and mouth is a common childhood viral illness, which can also affect adults. It is usually a mild infection that gets better on its own and does not need specific treatment - antibiotics will not help.

It often affects children under the age of five and after a few days of feeling unwell, mouth ulcers and a rash appear. This is normally red spots which develop into blisters on the hands and feet. The blisters appear grey in the centre. These symptoms can last for seven to 10 days.

It is not the same as foot and mouth disease, which affects farm animals.

What It Looks Like

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Recognising the Signs

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

How to Treat Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease

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.

How to Reduce the Risk of Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease Spreading

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

Attending School or Nursery

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.

Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease in Pregnancy

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.

Who can Help?

You can speak to a pharmacist before trying any new creams or lotions on your child.

If your child has a high temperature as well as a rash and seems unwell, speak to your GP or contact 111 for advice.

You can contact the Healthy Child Service team by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520 631590. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.

If you are 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635060 for confidential advice from one of our team.

The Lullaby Trust - Baby Check App has simple checks that you can do if your baby is ill. It helps you think about whether they need to see a doctor or health professional.

You can speak to other Norfolk parents and carers by clicking our online community forum below.