Hand, foot and mouth disease, or HFMD, can come on like a cold. A fever, sore throat, loss of appetite and generally feeling sick or tired are among the first complaints.
But, within a couple of days, you’ll start to notice the blisters. They usually start in the mouth, and you’ll often find them on the hands and feet, too. (Hence the name.)
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common illness
Many children — and some adults — experience HFMD. Most cases involve children who are age 5 or younger, though older children and adults also can get the disease.
While no reliable statistics can be found on how many people contract the illness each year, we do know that it often occurs in clusters where children are near each other.
Daycare centers and schools are common locations for outbreaks. In November 2019, a primary school in Arizona closed during an outbreak of the illness.
Diagnosing hand, foot and mouth disease
Testing is usually not necessary to diagnose HFMD. Rather, a review of the symptoms and clinical examination of the blisters in the mouth, hands and feet will suffice.
The blisters can be painful. They also may occur on the elbows, knees, buttocks and genital areas.
Not everyone with HFMD will experience the same symptoms. The blisters may progress in stages rather than occurring at once.
How to treat hand, foot and mouth disease
Since HFMD is caused by a virus — not bacteria — antibiotics won’t help.
Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers help with the symptoms of HFMD. Ask your healthcare provider about dosing instructions and which over-the-counter options they recommend.
It’s also important to consume plenty of fluids while sick to prevent dehydration. Cold drinks also can help with the mouth pain from the blisters.
Otherwise, the virus simply must run its course. Most people will feel better in seven to 10 days.
Preventing hand, foot and mouth disease
HFMD is very contagious. It can spread through exposure to saliva and nasal mucus, feces or the fluid inside the blisters.
It can spread through hugging or kissing, eating or drinking after someone who has the virus, coming into contact with feces (as when changing a diaper), and touching surfaces that may have the virus (such as changing tables or places where someone may have sneezed or coughed).
The best way to avoid getting HFMD is to avoid exposure to infected people, washing your hands frequently and avoid touching your mouth or face.
Researchers are working on vaccines to protect against some of the viruses that cause HFMD.
Complications from hand, foot and mouth disease are rare
Usually, HFMD simply must run its course.
In rare instances, hospitalization may be necessary. Hospitalization can be required if the patient develops viral meningitis, an inflammation of the brain called encephalitis, or a polio-like paralysis.
Some instance of fingernail and toenail loss have been reported, though these are temporary and grow back.
Read more
You can read more about HFMD in our online Health Library.