Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

 (Advice from the NHS website)

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral infection that can affect young children.

It doesn't usually pose a serious threat to a child's health, but it can be be an unpleasant condition, particularly if it affects younger children.

Typical symptoms of hand foot and mouth disease include:

• • cold-like symptoms, such as loss of appetite, cough and a moderately high temperature of around 38-39°C (100.4- 102.2°F)

  • a non-itchy red rash that develops on the hand and the feet; sometimes the rash can develop into painful blisters

  • painful mouth ulcers

Read more about the symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease.

When to see your GP

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a self-limiting condition, which means that it will get better on its own without treatment. The symptoms will usually pass within seven days.

However, speak to your GP or call NHS 111 if you're unsure whether your child has hand, foot and mouth disease.

You should also contact your GP if your child isn’t drinking any fluid or their symptoms last longer than seven days. 

Treating hand, foot and mouth disease

There is currently no cure for hand, foot and mouth disease, so treatment involves making your child feel as comfortable as possible while waiting for the infection to take its course.

Possible treatment options include:

• • using paracetamol, ibuprofen and mouth gels to relieve the pain of mouth ulcers

  • drinking plenty of fluids to help relieve a high temperature