Another name for hand, foot and mouth disease

The name describes a contagious viral illness that often causes mouth sores and a rash or small blisters on the hands and feet. The rash can also appear elsewhere, and not every person develops every feature. HFMD is most frequent in young children but can affect older children and adults. It is unrelated to the animal infection called foot-and-mouth disease.

Offer frequent cool fluids because painful mouth sores can make drinking difficult. Soft foods may be easier to manage, while acidic or spicy foods can sting. Encourage rest, follow the label or a clinician’s instructions for age-appropriate fever or pain medicine, and do not give aspirin to a child. Careful handwashing, cleaning shared surfaces and avoiding shared cups can reduce spread.

Arrange medical advice if mouth pain prevents drinking, urine becomes much less frequent, fever persists, symptoms worsen or you are unsure of the diagnosis. Seek urgent help for marked drowsiness, confusion, difficulty breathing, a stiff neck, a seizure, or signs of severe dehydration such as very dry mouth and minimal urine. A young infant, a pregnant person or someone with weakened immunity should receive individual clinical advice promptly.

Ask how to keep fluids up despite mouth sores, which fever medicine and dose fit the patient’s age and weight, and when returning to nursery, school or work is appropriate. Mention reduced urination, worsening rash, pregnancy, immune-system problems and any close contact with a vulnerable person.