Early symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease

A child may first seem irritable or less interested in food and drinks. Fever and a sore throat can be followed by red spots or small blisters inside the mouth. Spots or blisters may then appear on the palms, soles, fingers, toes, buttocks, or around the mouth. The pattern is not identical in every child.

Mouth pain can be more troublesome than the skin rash because swallowing becomes uncomfortable. Drooling, refusing feeds, or taking only tiny sips may signal that pain is limiting fluids.

Offer frequent sips of water or milk and soft, cool foods. Avoid acidic, salty, or spicy items if they sting. Encourage rest, wash hands after nappy changes, and avoid sharing cups or cutlery. Use only medicines recommended for the child’s age and health history; never give aspirin to a child.

Arrange a child health consultation if the child cannot drink comfortably, has ongoing fever, or the diagnosis is uncertain. Seek urgent help if the child is difficult to wake, has breathing trouble, develops a seizure, or shows dehydration such as very little urine, a dry mouth, or no tears.

Ask which symptoms fit the illness, how to relieve mouth pain, and when the child can return to nursery or school.