Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common infection that mostly affects young children, though adults can get it too. It is usually mild and clears up on its own within 7 to 10 days [1].

It often starts with a sore throat, a high temperature and not wanting to eat. This is followed by mouth ulcers and a spotty or blistery rash on the hands and feet, and sometimes the groin or buttocks [1].

There is no specific cure, but you can help your child feel better with plenty of cool drinks and soft foods, and paracetamol for pain or fever. A pharmacist can suggest treatments for mouth ulcers. Antibiotics do not help [1].

Good hand washing helps stop it spreading; children can go back to school once they feel well enough. See a GP if symptoms last more than 10 days, your child is not drinking, or you are pregnant, or call NHS 111 if you are worried [1].