What should you know about hand foot and mouth diarrhea?

Hand, foot and mouth illness can cause fever, mouth soreness and a rash, while diarrhoea may occur from another infection, dietary change or medication. Loose stools repeatedly contact the skin and can cause redness, soreness and broken skin around the nappy area. That pattern is often called nappy rash. The combination does not identify one cause, so note vomiting, fever, mouth sores, urine output and the timing of each symptom.

Offer frequent small sips of fluid and continue suitable feeds. After each loose stool, rinse or cleanse gently, pat dry and apply a clinician-recommended barrier. Change nappies promptly, avoid rubbing and give the skin brief air exposure. Do not use an antifungal product unless a clinician sees features that support yeast or another fungal cause; [Topical Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antifungal-therapy/) is not a universal treatment for diarrhoea-related irritation. [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) may help protect dry, irritated skin when advised.

Seek prompt care if the person cannot keep fluids down, urinates much less, has a very dry mouth, blood in stool, severe belly pain, unusual sleepiness or worsening fever. Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, confusion or marked weakness. Have a clinician examine skin that is raw, bleeding, spreading, pus-filled or not improving with gentle care.

Ask whether diarrhoea suggests a separate illness, how much fluid is appropriate, and which barrier or cleanser is safe for the affected skin.