Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: symptoms, self-care and when to get help
Checked against current published health guidance — last reviewed 2026-09-23. See how we check.
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common, usually mild illness in young children that causes mouth ulcers and spots on the hands and feet. It usually gets better on its own in 7 to 10 days. Keep your child drinking, and get help if they show signs of dehydration or their symptoms get worse.
Overview
It often starts with a sore throat, a high temperature and not wanting to eat. A few days later, painful mouth ulcers and a rash of spots appear, usually on the hands and feet, and sometimes the bottom or legs.
It is not related to foot and mouth disease in animals. Adults can catch it too, but it is most common in children under 10.
What may help
- Give plenty of fluids, as sore mouths can put children off drinking
- Offer soft foods such as yoghurt, and avoid hot, spicy or acidic foods
- Give children's paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain or a high temperature
- Wash hands often and do not share towels, to reduce spread
- Keep your child off school or nursery while they are unwell
When to see a pharmacist or GP
- Symptoms have not improved after 7 to 10 days
- Your child is not drinking, or has signs of dehydration such as fewer wet nappies
- Your baby is under 6 months and has a high temperature
- You are pregnant and have been exposed to it
When it could be an emergency
- A fit (seizure)
- Difficulty breathing
- Your child is very drowsy, floppy or hard to wake
- A stiff neck or a rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed against it
If any of these apply, don't wait — call your local emergency number (see emergency numbers by country, or Red Flags in the app), or go straight to your nearest emergency department.
Want more detail, tailored to your own situation?
Look up "Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease" in the appCommon questions
How long does hand, foot and mouth disease last?
It usually gets better on its own in 7 to 10 days.
Does my child need to stay off nursery?
Keep them off while they are unwell. Once they feel better, they can usually go back, although good hand washing is still important.
Can adults get hand, foot and mouth?
Yes, though it is less common. Adults can catch it from children and sometimes have no symptoms.
Is there a treatment?
There is no specific treatment. Fluids, soft foods and pain relief help while it runs its course.
Official sources
Related topics
Chickenpox
Spots, contagious period and when to get help.
Fever in Children
Safe self-care and warning signs to watch for.
Sore Throat
Causes, remedies, and when to get it checked.
Diarrhoea and Vomiting in Children
Keeping children hydrated and signs of dehydration.
General information only, last checked 2026-09-23 — not medical advice and not a diagnosis. This page doesn't cover every cause or every person's situation; for anything specific to you or someone in your care, speak to a pharmacist, GP, or other qualified professional. See how we check. Be Health Wise is part of the Be Wise family of apps.