Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Ashritha Rao Komandla , Pediatricians

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection that mainly affects infants and young children. It is most often caused by coxsackievirus and is characterized by fever, painful mouth sores, and a rash on the hands and feet. Early diagnosis and supportive treatment help relieve symptoms, prevent dehydration, and reduce the spread of infection.

What are the Symptoms of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)?

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) symptoms often appear 3 to 7 days after exposure. It starts with general signs of illness and progresses to more visible symptoms affecting the skin and mouth.

While most common in children under 5, adults can also be affected, though often with milder symptoms.

Common early signs hand, foot and mouth day by day

Fever may be mild or absent
Sore throat and throat pain
Fatigue, body aches, or general discomfort
Loss of appetite and trouble eating
Painful mouth sores (called herpangina) often found on the tongue, inside of cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth
Red rash or blisters on the hands, soles of the feet, and sometimes on the buttocks or diaper area; blisters may not itch but can be painful
Small blister-like lesions also possible on the sides of the tongue, fingers, and around the mouth
Irritability or fussiness especially in toddlers and infants
Mild dehydration due to mouth pain while swallowing

Rare but Severe Symptoms

In rare cases, the virus may affect the brain or spinal cord, leading to seizures, confusion, weakness, or unsteadiness. Immediate medical attention is needed if such signs appear.

Symptoms usually resolve on their own within 7 to 10 days, and full recovery is expected in most cases. Early care can ease discomfort and reduce the risk of complications.

What are the Causes of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)?

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is caused by a group of viruses called enteroviruses, most commonly the Coxsackievirus A16. Sometimes, enterovirus 71 can also be responsible, which may lead to more severe symptoms.

The virus spreads easily from person to person through:

Saliva, mucus from the nose, or fluids from blisters
Feces (poop), especially during diaper changes
Coughing or sneezing
Touching contaminated objects like toys, doorknobs, or surfaces

HFMD is highly contagious, especially in daycares, preschools, and crowded spaces, and children under 5 are most at risk. Good hygiene and handwashing help reduce the spread.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) Risk Factors

Several risk factors can increase the chances of getting hand, foot, and mouth disease, especially in young children.

Key Risk Factors

Age: Hand Foot Mouth disease in children under 5 years old are most commonly affected.
Group Settings: Kids in daycares, preschools, or schools are more likely to catch and spread the virus.
Weaker Immune Systems: Infants or those recovering from illness may have a higher risk.
Poor Hygiene Habits: Not washing hands after using the toilet or before eating raises the risk.
Seasonal Outbreaks: HFMD is more common in summer and early fall in many regions.

Close contact and poor hand hygiene make this illness spread quickly in early childhood settings.

When to See a Doctor for Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?

Consult a pediatrician or general physician if symptoms persist beyond 10 days, your child refuses to drink fluids, has a high fever, or develops severe mouth pain. Early medical evaluation helps prevent dehydration and identify potential complications.

You should see a doctor if you have:

Persistent fever lasting more than three days
Difficulty eating or drinking due to painful mouth sores
Signs of dehydration, such as reduced urination or dry mouth
Symptoms that worsen or fail to improve within a week

Get medical help immediately if:

Severe dehydration or inability to drink fluids
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Confusion, seizures, or extreme drowsiness
Severe headache, neck stiffness, or persistent vomiting

These could be signs of serious complications of hand, foot, and mouth disease requiring urgent medical care.

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How Is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Diagnosed?

Diagnosing HFMD is usually simple and based on your child's symptoms and physical signs. Most doctors can identify it during a routine exam without needing special tests.

Visual Exam: The doctor checks for the classic rash on the hands, feet, mouth, or buttocks and looks for mouth sores and fever.
Medical History: They ask about recent symptoms, possible exposure at school or daycare, and any other sick contacts.
Throat or Stool Sample (rarely needed): If the symptoms are unclear or severe, the doctor may take a throat swab or stool sample to confirm the virus type.

In most cases, testing isn't required, and diagnosis is made quickly to guide care and prevent spreading the virus.

What are the Treatment Options for Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)?

There is no specific cure for hand, foot, and mouth disease. It usually goes away on its own within 7 to 10 days. Treatment focuses on easing discomfort and managing symptoms.

Common Treatment Approaches

Rest: Let your child rest and recover fully at home.
Hydration: Encourage drinking fluids to prevent dehydration, especially if mouth sores make eating painful.
Pain Relief: Use over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and relieve sore throat or body aches. Avoid aspirin in children.
Mouth Care: Cold fluids, ice creams, or popsicles may soothe mouth pain. Avoid citrus juices or spicy foods that can irritate sores.

The hand, foot, and mouth diseases have no known treatment or vaccination, and antibiotics treat bacterial infections, not viruses.

Meanwhile, parents may do the following to make the child feel better:

Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or numbing mouth sprays are examples of over-the-counter painkillers and avoid taking aspirin unless prescribed by the doctor.
To relieve a sore throat, avoid cold foods like smoothies, yogurt, and ice pops. Also, avoid canned juice and soda, as they contain acids that can irritate sores.
Anti-itch lotion, like calamine, for rashes.

Important Note

Antibiotics are not used because a virus causes HFMD. Most children recover without complications, but always consult a doctor if symptoms worsen or your child becomes very weak or dehydrated.

Home Remedies for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) Itching

Itchy rashes from HFMD can be uncomfortable, especially for young children. While the condition usually heals on its own, these gentle home remedies can help soothe the itching and improve comfort:

Effective Home Remedies

Cool Baths: A lukewarm or cool bath with baking soda (1/4 cup), oatmeal powder, or Epsom salts can ease itching and calm the skin.
Calamine Lotion: Apply gently to rashes (avoid open sores) to reduce itchiness and irritation.
Cold Compress: Use a clean, cool damp cloth on itchy areas for instant relief.
Loose Clothing: Dress your child in soft, breathable cotton clothes to avoid irritating the rash.
Keep Skin Dry: Gently pat (not rub) the skin dry after baths and avoid using scented lotions or soaps.
Distraction and Comfort: Keep your child distracted with quiet games, books, or soothing music to ease scratching urges.

Important: Avoid scratching, which can lead to infections. If itching worsens or rash looks infected (red, swollen, or oozing), consult a doctor.

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What Is the Recovery Process for Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?

Most people recover completely within 7 to 10 days without long-term complications. Adequate hydration, rest, and symptom management help support recovery and reduce discomfort.

Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
Eat soft, cool foods until mouth sores heal
Take fever and pain medications as directed
Get adequate rest
Practice good hand hygiene to prevent spreading the infection
Avoid close contact with others until fever has resolved and symptoms improve
Attend follow-up appointments if symptoms persist or complications develop

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is hand, foot and mouth disease spread?

It spreads through contact with saliva, mucus, fluid from blisters, or stool of an infected person. It can also spread via contaminated surfaces or respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

2. How does hand, foot and mouth disease affect pregnancy?

Most cases are mild and not harmful in pregnancy, but rare complications may include miscarriage or fetal issues if the mother is infected late in pregnancy. Always consult your doctor if exposed while pregnant.

3. How long does hand, foot and mouth disease last?

HFMD symptoms usually last 7 to 10 days. Fever and sore throat appear first, followed by rash and mouth sores. Most children recover fully without complications during this period.

4. Can adults get hand, foot and mouth disease?

Yes, adults can get HFMD, though it's less common. Symptoms may be milder or even absent, but they can still spread the virus to others, especially to young children or people with weak immune systems.

5. Is hand, foot and mouth disease the same as foot-and-mouth disease?

No. HFMD affects humans, mainly children, and is caused by a different virus. Foot-and-mouth disease affects livestock like cows and pigs and is not related to HFMD or transmissible to humans.