What to eat with hand, foot and mouth disease

The illness can cause tender ulcers on the tongue, gums, cheeks or throat. Sour, spicy, salty or very hot food may sting these areas, while rough textures can rub them. Appetite may fall for a short time, but fluid intake remains essential. A person may tolerate small amounts better than a full meal, especially when the throat is sore or fever is present.

Offer cool water, milk, yoghurt, smoothies without acidic fruit, custard, porridge, soup allowed to cool, mashed vegetables, soft rice or scrambled egg. Give small sips often and use a cup or spoon that feels comfortable. Avoid citrus, fruit juice, fizzy drinks, chilli, heavily salted foods, toast and crisps until the mouth heals. Do not force food; focus on fluids and return gradually to normal meals.

Contact a clinician if the person cannot keep fluids down, has a dry mouth, produces much less urine, becomes very sleepy or has worsening mouth pain. Seek urgent help for confusion, breathing difficulty, a seizure or a stiff neck. A [fever](/symptoms/fever/) can increase fluid needs. A [Child Health Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/child-health-consultation/) can help tailor pain relief and hydration advice.

Ask which pain relief is suitable before meals, how to judge hydration, when to seek help for poor intake, and whether a particular drink or supplement should be avoided.