Diaper rash and hand, foot and mouth disease

This viral illness commonly causes mouth sores and a rash or small blisters on the hands and feet; the nappy area can also be involved. Stool, urine, sweat, and friction may create ordinary nappy dermatitis alongside the illness. The appearance alone cannot confirm the cause. Note whether lesions are flat, raised, blistered, or crusted, and whether the child has mouth pain, fever, reduced drinking, or sores elsewhere.

Keep the area clean with lukewarm water and pat dry. Change nappies often, avoid rubbing and fragranced products, and use a protective barrier if the skin is intact enough for it. Offer frequent small drinks and soft, cool foods if mouth sores make eating uncomfortable. Do not pop blisters or share towels, cups, or utensils. Wash hands carefully after nappy changes, because hand, foot and mouth disease can spread through close contact and bodily fluids.

Contact a clinician if the rash is rapidly worsening, very painful, oozing, or difficult to distinguish from another infection. Seek urgent help if the child is hard to wake, has breathing difficulty, cannot drink, urinates much less than usual, or shows signs of dehydration. A young infant with fever should be assessed promptly.

Ask whether the skin findings fit hand, foot and mouth disease, how to relieve mouth discomfort safely, and what hygiene measures are needed around siblings and childcare.