Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: What Parents Need to Know

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness that primarily affects infants and young children, although older children and adults can become infected as well. While it can be uncomfortable, HFMD is usually mild and most children recover within 7 to 10 days with supportive care at home.

What Causes Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

HFMD is most commonly caused by Coxsackievirus A16 and other enteroviruses. The virus spreads easily through:

• Saliva and nasal secretions
• Coughing and sneezing
• Fluid from blisters
• Stool (especially during diaper changes)
• Contaminated toys and surfaces

Because it spreads quickly in daycares, schools, and playgrounds, outbreaks are most common during the summer and early fall.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms usually appear 3 to 6 days after exposure and may include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Decreased appetite
• Fatigue or fussiness
• Painful sores or blisters inside the mouth
• A rash or blisters on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks, legs, or arms

Not every child develops all of these symptoms, and some children may have only mild illness.

How Is It Treated?

There is no specific medication to cure HFMD. Treatment focuses on keeping your child comfortable while the virus runs its course.

Helpful measures include:

• Encouraging plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
• Offering cold, soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, smoothies, or popsicles
• Avoiding acidic or spicy foods that may irritate mouth sores
• Using acetaminophen or ibuprofen (when appropriate for your child's age) to help relieve fever and discomfort

Because mouth sores can be painful, some children may refuse to eat or drink. Keeping your child hydrated is one of the most important parts of recovery.

When Should You Call Your Pediatrician?

Contact your pediatrician if your child:

• Is refusing to drink fluids or shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears when crying, or fewer wet diapers)
• Has a fever lasting more than three days
• Appears unusually sleepy or difficult to wake
• Has severe mouth pain that prevents eating or drinking
• Has symptoms that are worsening instead of improving
• Has a weakened immune system or another medical condition that increases their risk for complications

Seek emergency medical care if your child has difficulty breathing, becomes difficult to arouse, or shows signs of severe dehydration.

Preventing the Spread of HFMD

Good hand hygiene is the best way to reduce the spread of HFMD.

Parents can help by:

• Washing hands frequently with soap and water, especially after diaper changes and before eating
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched toys and surfaces
• Avoiding sharing cups, utensils, towels, and toothbrushes
• Teaching children to cover coughs and sneezes
• Keeping children home from daycare or school if they have a fever, are not feeling well enough to participate, or have excessive drooling from painful mouth sores

Although children are most contagious during the first week of illness, the virus can remain in stool for several weeks after symptoms have resolved. Good handwashing continues to be important even after your child feels better.

The Bottom Line

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is a common childhood illness that usually resolves on its own with rest, fluids, and supportive care. While it can be uncomfortable, most children recover quickly without complications.

If you have questions about your child's symptoms or are unsure whether they need to be seen, the team at North Shore Pediatrics is here to help. Whether you need guidance over the phone, a same-day sick visit, or follow-up care, we're committed to keeping your child healthy every step of the way.