What is hand, foot and mouth disease?
You may have heard of hand, foot and mouth disease, especially if you spend time around young children – but don’t worry, it’s usually mild.
This viral infection mainly affects children under the age of 10, though adults can get it too. It’s named after the small rashes or lesions that typically appear on the hands, feet and inside the mouth.
While it can be uncomfortable, hand, foot and mouth disease usually clears up on its own within a few days and doesn’t lead to serious complications.
What are the symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease?
The early signs of hand, foot and mouth disease can be easy to miss, but symptoms tend to develop quickly. Although this childhood disease is generally mild, it can cause discomfort, especially in toddlers and young kids.
The incubation period (the time between exposure to the virus and the onset of symptoms) is typically 3 to 6 days. Here are the most common hand, foot and mouth disease symptoms:
- Mild fever and general fatigue
- Painful sores inside the mouth (tongue, gums or cheeks)
- A skin rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, sometimes with small fluid-filled blisters
- Red spots or bumps on the buttocks or legs in some cases
- Difficulty eating or drinking due to mouth pain
- Sore throat and headache
What about adults?
Hand, foot and mouth disease in adults is less common, but it can still happen. Symptoms are usually milder than in children, but they can still be uncomfortable:
- Mild fever or chills
- Unusual fatigue
- Sore throat or a burning sensation when swallowing
- Occasionally, mouth sores or a rash on the hands and feet
As with children, symptoms usually go away on their own after a few days. If you’re unsure or experiencing discomfort, don’t hesitate to speak with your pharmacist for personalized advice.
How is hand, foot and mouth disease transmitted?
Hand, foot and mouth disease mostly affects children under the age of 10, especially those between 6 months and 4 years of age. It spreads easily, particularly in environments where kids are in close contact, such as daycare centres and schools. Adults can catch it too, though this is less common.
The virus spreads through:
- Saliva
- Nasal and throat secretions
- Stool from an infected person
- Fluid from skin blisters
People are generally most contagious during the first week of illness, but the virus can remain in the body for several weeks even after symptoms have disappeared.
To help prevent the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease, good hygiene is key:
- Wash hands often, especially after changing diapers or caring for a sick child
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
- Avoid sharing objects like cups, utensils and toys
These simple steps can go a long way in stopping the virus from spreading.
Can you get hand, foot and mouth disease more than once?
Yes, it’s possible. Hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by several different viruses from the enterovirus family, the most common being Coxsackievirus A16. However, other related viruses can also cause the illness.
That means someone who’s already had hand, foot and mouth disease can get it again if exposed to a different strain. The symptoms are often similar from one case to another, but the severity can vary depending on the individual and the virus involved.
Should a child with hand, foot and mouth disease stay home?
Children with hand, foot and mouth disease don’t always need to stay home from daycare or school as long as they feel well enough to take part in daily activities.
However, it’s best to keep them at home if:
- They have a fever, severe fatigue or seem generally unwell
- Mouth pain is making it hard for them to eat or drink properly
- Skin lesions are widespread or appear to be infected
Even after visible symptoms go away, the virus can still be present in stools for several weeks. That’s why hygiene measures remain essential: frequent handwashing, cleaning surfaces and disinfecting toys all help to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to check with a healthcare professional or to follow your daycare or school’s specific guidelines.
What is the treatment for hand, foot and mouth disease?
There’s no medication to eliminate the virus that causes hand, foot and mouth disease, but the symptoms can certainly be managed to make the infection more comfortable.
Here are a few simple measures you can take:
- Relieve fever and pain with medications like acetaminophen. Your pharmacist can recommend the most appropriate treatment based on age and symptoms.
- Encourage hydration, especially if mouth pain is making it harder to eat or drink.
- Offer soft, cold foods like applesauce, yogurt or smoothies to help ease discomfort when swallowing.
In most cases, the illness clears up on its own within a few days. If you're unsure or symptoms get worse, visiting your pharmacist is a great way to get personalized advice and support a smooth recovery.
When should you see a pharmacist for hand, foot and mouth disease?
In most cases, hand, foot and mouth disease goes away on its own. However, there are certain situations where it's best to seek advice from a pharmacist:
- The fever remains high after 2–3 days, even with fever-reducing medication.
- There are signs of dehydration (dry mouth, infrequent urination, extreme fatigue), especially if the child is struggling to drink due to mouth pain.
- Skin lesions spread beyond the usual areas (hands, feet, mouth) or show signs of infection.
- Symptoms are unusual or last longer than a week.
Your pharmacist is there to assess the situation, offer reassurance and provide tailored advice. Thanks to their expertise, they can:
- Recommend safe, effective products to relieve discomfort
- Suggest supportive care to manage symptoms at home
- Refer you to a doctor if medical attention is needed
A quick visit to the pharmacy can make a big difference in managing hand, foot and mouth disease and in keeping your whole family comfortable.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. Always consult your pharmacist or doctor for personalized care.
