What should you know about hand foot and mouth age?

The illness can cause fever, sore mouth, reduced appetite and small spots or blisters on the hands and feet. A rash may also appear around the nappy area or elsewhere. Adults and older children can have mild, unusual or absent skin findings, so the combination of symptoms and exposure matters more than a person's age. A crusted sore is not specific; [Crusting Skin](/symptoms/skin-crusting/) has several possible causes.

Offer frequent sips of fluid and soft, cool foods if the mouth is sore. Encourage handwashing after toileting, nose wiping and nappy changes; do not share cups, utensils or towels. Keep blisters clean and avoid scratching. Stay away from close-contact settings while fever or active illness is present, following local school or childcare advice. A clinician can assess hydration, mouth pain and the need for symptom relief. Antibiotics do not treat the viral cause.

Seek prompt care if a child cannot drink, urinates much less, has a very dry mouth, is unusually sleepy, or develops breathing difficulty. Get medical advice for persistent fever, worsening symptoms, severe headache, stiff neck, or a rash that becomes hot, swollen or heavily crusted. Infants and people with weakened immunity deserve a lower threshold for assessment.

Ask which symptoms fit hand, foot and mouth illness, how to protect siblings, and what fluid or pain plan is suitable for the person's age.