Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
A common, usually mild viral infection in young children, causing mouth sores and a rash on hands and feet.
Quick Summary
Fever, sore throat, painful mouth sores, and a spotty rash on palms, soles and sometimes buttocks.
Fluids, soft foods and paracetamol for pain. It usually clears in 7–10 days.
Children under 5, nurseries and schools, and close contact with infected children.
Overview
It's caused by enteroviruses, especially coxsackievirus, and spreads through saliva, stool and blister fluid.
Painful mouth sores can make children refuse to drink, so watch for dehydration.
Symptoms
Fever
For a day or two.
Mouth sores
Painful ulcers.
Rash
On hands and feet.
Dehydration
Not drinking or few wet nappies: see a doctor.
Causes & Risk Factors
Biological Causes
Infection with enteroviruses.
Key Risk Factors
- Age Young children.
- Close contact In nurseries.
- Poor hand hygiene Spreads the virus.
Management & Treatment
01. Fluids
Cool drinks and soft foods.
02. Pain relief
Paracetamol.
03. Hygiene
Handwashing and keeping sick children home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it the same as foot-and-mouth disease in animals?
Can adults get it?
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Hand-foot-mouth disease(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Hand, foot and mouth disease(opens in a new tab) · NHS