Ano ang hand, foot and mouth disease? A practical guide

It often affects young children but can occur at any age. Treatment mainly keeps the person comfortable and hydrated while the immune system clears the infection; antibiotics do not treat the responsible viruses.

The illness can begin with fever, sore throat, reduced appetite, or tiredness. Painful spots or ulcers may then develop inside the mouth, while flat or blister-like spots can appear on the palms, fingers, soles, buttocks, knees, or elbows.

The name can be misleading: not every person develops spots in all three named areas. A clinician can distinguish it from chickenpox, cold sores, allergic rashes, and other infections when the pattern is unclear.

Offer frequent cool drinks and soft foods. Acidic, salty, spicy, or very hot items may sting mouth ulcers. A pharmacist or clinician can advise on age-appropriate pain and fever medicine; never give aspirin to a child unless it has been prescribed for a specific medical reason.

Wash hands with soap and water after nappy changes, toilet use, and contact with saliva or blister fluid. Clean frequently touched surfaces, avoid sharing cups and cutlery, and cover coughs and sneezes. Follow local nursery or school guidance about attendance.

Seek urgent care if the person is difficult to wake, confused, struggling to breathe, having a seizure, developing a stiff neck, or showing a purple rash that does not fade when pressed. A rapidly worsening condition also needs immediate assessment.

Contact a clinician promptly when mouth pain prevents drinking, urine becomes much less frequent, the mouth is very dry, there are no tears when crying, or unusual drowsiness appears. Review is also sensible for a very young infant, pregnancy, weakened immunity, persistent fever, or symptoms that are not improving.

Describe when the fever and rash began, where spots appeared, how much the person is drinking, and how often they urinate. Ask which pain relief fits the person's age and health, how to care for mouth sores, and which change would require reassessment.