Hand, foot and mouth disease: Spanish-language care

A child may first have fever, throat discomfort, reduced appetite or tiredness. Painful mouth ulcers can make eating and drinking harder. A rash or small blisters may then appear on the palms, soles, around the mouth or elsewhere on the body. The illness is not the same as foot-and-mouth disease in farm animals. Symptoms can vary between children, and some have mild signs or no obvious rash.

Give cool liquids often, offering small amounts if swallowing hurts. Soft foods may be easier than crunchy or acidic foods. Encourage rest and wash hands carefully after contact with saliva, stool or blister fluid. Do not share cups, cutlery, towels or toothbrushes. When speaking with a clinician, request an interpreter or Spanish-language explanation if needed, and repeat back the dosing instructions to check understanding. A child should stay home while unwell and follow local school or nursery guidance.

Contact a clinician if drinking falls, urine becomes noticeably less frequent, the mouth is very dry, or the child becomes unusually drowsy. Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, inability to swallow fluids, a seizure, confusion, a stiff neck with severe headache, or difficulty waking. Fever can be discussed at [Fever](/symptoms/fever/), and a child assessment is available through [Child Health Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/child-health-consultation/).

Ask: ¿Qué síntomas requieren atención urgente? ¿Qué líquidos y analgésicos son adecuados? ¿Cuándo puede volver el niño a la escuela? Request written instructions in Spanish if that would make home care clearer.