Hand, Foot and Mouth Sores on the Face

The illness commonly causes mouth ulcers and a rash on hands and feet, but spots can also occur near the lips, on the cheeks or elsewhere on the face. They may be red, raised or blister-like. Fever, sore throat, mouth pain and spots on the hands or feet make the pattern more suggestive. Facial bumps without these features can have other explanations, such as Acne, Perioral Dermatitis or Folliculitis.

Clean the face with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser, then pat dry. Keep fingers and nails away from blisters, and do not squeeze, scrub or peel crusts. Avoid sharing face cloths, pillows, cups and utensils. Cool fluids and soft foods can help when mouth lesions hurt. A pharmacist or clinician can advise on suitable age-appropriate pain relief. Avoid applying acne acids, steroid creams or antibiotic ointments to the face unless a professional has recommended them for this episode.

Get medical advice promptly if swelling approaches the eyes, the person has trouble breathing or swallowing, fluids are not staying down, urine output falls, or alertness changes. Seek review for rapidly spreading redness, warmth, tenderness, pus or crusting, which may indicate a secondary infection. A clinician should examine an atypical facial rash, especially when there are no mouth, hand or foot symptoms or when the person is getting worse.

Ask whether the facial lesions match hand, foot and mouth disease, which products are safe near the lips and eyes, and how to reduce household spread.