This page summarises publicly available NHS information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or a diagnosis. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
What is hand, foot and mouth disease?
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common childhood viral infection that causes mouth ulcers and a blistery rash on the hands and feet. It often starts with a sore throat, high temperature, and loss of appetite. Despite the alarming name, it's usually mild and clears up within 7 to 10 days without treatment. Adults can get it too.
When NHS resources suggest seeing a GP
- Symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease do not improve after 7 to 10 days.
- You're pregnant and get hand, foot and mouth disease.
- Hand, foot and mouth disease can be spread to other people.
- You or your child has a very high temperature, or feels hot, cold or shivery.
- You're worried about your child's hand, foot and mouth disease symptoms.
- Your child has hand, foot and mouth disease and is peeing less than usual (they may be becoming dehydrated).
Self-care information from NHS
- Hand, foot and mouth disease usually gets better on its own in 7 to 10 days. You cannot take antibiotics or other medicines to cure it.
- To help the symptoms.
- Drink cool fluids to soothe the mouth and prevent dehydration (but avoid acidic drinks, such as fruit juice).
- Eat soft foods like yoghurt and avoid hot, salty and spicy foods.
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help ease a sore mouth or throat.
- Ask a pharmacist for advice about treatments, such as mouth ulcer gels, sprays and mouthwashes, to relieve pain.
- They can tell you which ones are suitable for children.
- Hand, foot and mouth disease is easily passed on to other people. It's spread in coughs, sneezes, poo and the fluid in the blisters. You can get it more than once.
Common questions
How long does hand, foot and mouth disease last?
Symptoms usually clear within 7 to 10 days. The mouth ulcers can be painful, especially when eating or drinking. Children are most contagious in the first week but the virus can stay in their stools for weeks.
Is hand, foot and mouth disease the same as foot and mouth in animals?
No, despite the similar name they're completely different viruses. Hand, foot and mouth disease in humans is caused by coxsackievirus and doesn't spread to or from animals.
Can adults get hand, foot and mouth disease?
Yes, though it's less common. Adults sometimes get milder symptoms — just a rash or mouth ulcers — but can still pass it on. Pregnant people who catch it late in pregnancy should speak to a midwife or GP.
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This page is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your individual situation. NorMed organises publicly available NHS information and is not affiliated with the NHS.