Treatment and Remedies for Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a contagious viral illness in which children may develop fever, mouth ulcers and a rash or blisters on the hands and feet. Mouth pain can make drinking difficult. The rash may also appear around the nappy area. Most care is aimed at comfort and fluids while the immune system clears the infection.

Offer frequent small sips of cool water or milk and soft foods that are easy to swallow. Avoid acidic, salty or spicy foods if they sting. Use only age-appropriate pain or fever medicine according to the label or a clinician’s advice; never give aspirin to a child. Keep blisters clean, encourage handwashing, and avoid sharing cups, towels or cutlery.

Get urgent medical advice if the child cannot drink, is passing very little urine, is unusually sleepy, has breathing difficulty, a seizure, severe headache, a stiff neck, or a rapidly worsening fever. Contact a Child Health Consultation service if you are unsure about fluids, pain relief, nursery attendance or a rash that looks infected.

How can I keep my child hydrated when mouth ulcers hurt? Which medicine and dose fit their age and weight? When can they return to school or nursery, and what changes would mean they need review?