Hand, foot and mouth disease symptoms and diarrhoea

Hand, foot and mouth disease commonly involves fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers and spots or blisters on the hands and feet. Loose stools may occur at the same time, but they can also come from another viral infection, a food-related illness or a change in eating. The combination does not identify the cause by itself. Pay attention to the child’s alertness, drinking, urine output and the appearance of the stool. Blood, black stool or severe abdominal pain needs medical assessment.

Offer frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink recommended by a clinician, especially after a loose stool. Continue breastfeeding or usual milk feeds, and offer simple foods if wanted. Avoid forcing food and avoid very sweet drinks, which may worsen diarrhoea. Wash hands after every nappy change or toilet visit, clean surfaces and do not share cups or utensils. Use fever or pain medicine only as directed for the child’s age and situation.

Contact a clinician if diarrhoea continues, drinking is poor, vomiting prevents fluids, urine is much less frequent, or the child has a dry mouth or marked tiredness. Seek urgent care for blood or black stool, severe belly pain, breathing difficulty, confusion, a seizure, a stiff neck with severe headache, or difficulty waking. See [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) for fever guidance and [Child Health Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/child-health-consultation/) for an assessment.

Ask whether the diarrhoea could be a separate infection, which rehydration drink is suitable, how to track urine, and whether testing or examination is needed.