Is hand, foot and mouth disease safe in children?

Most children with hand, foot and mouth disease develop a fever, sore throat or reduced appetite followed by small sores in the mouth and a rash or blisters on the hands and feet. The rash can also appear around the buttocks or elsewhere on the body.

Mouth sores can make drinking difficult even when the illness itself is settling. The infection spreads readily through saliva, respiratory secretions, stool and fluid from blisters, so careful handwashing and cleaning shared objects can reduce spread.

Offer frequent small drinks and soft, cool foods if swallowing hurts. Encourage rest, keep fingernails short and avoid picking blisters. Use only age-appropriate medicine at the dose advised by a clinician or the product instructions; do not give aspirin to a child.

Wash hands after helping with the toilet or changing nappies, and avoid sharing cups, cutlery or towels. Keep the child away from nursery or school while fever or significant illness continues, following the setting’s return guidance.

Seek urgent help if the child is difficult to wake, has trouble breathing, a seizure, severe headache with neck stiffness, blue or grey lips, or signs of serious dehydration such as very little urine and inability to keep fluids down.

Contact a clinician if fever persists, the child is drinking poorly, pain prevents eating or the rash becomes increasingly red, swollen or draining. Infants and children with a weakened immune system may need earlier advice.

Ask how to manage mouth pain, which fluids and medicines are suitable, when the child can return to group activities, and which changes should prompt a review.