Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection that mainly affects babies and young children. It is highly contagious and commonly spreads through childcare centres, kindergartens and families.
Although hand, foot and mouth disease can look concerning, most children have a mild illness and recover completely within 7–10 days.
This article explains the symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease, how it spreads, how to care for your child at home, when your child can return to childcare or school, and when you should see a doctor.
What is hand, foot and mouth disease?
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection, most commonly caused by viruses from the enterovirus family, including coxsackievirus.
It is particularly common in children under 10 years of age, although older children and adults can also become infected.
Despite its name, hand, foot and mouth disease is not the same as foot-and-mouth disease, which is an infection affecting animals.
What are the symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease?
The symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease can vary from child to child.
Common symptoms include:
- fever
- sore throat
- tiredness and irritability
- reduced appetite
- painful mouth ulcers
- small red spots or blisters on the hands and feet
- spots or blisters around the mouth
- a rash or blisters around the buttocks or nappy area.
The rash can occur on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, but it can also appear on other parts of the body.
One of the biggest problems for young children is painful mouth ulcers. These can make eating and drinking uncomfortable and can sometimes lead to dehydration.
What does hand, foot and mouth disease look like?
The rash usually starts as small red spots that can develop into small blisters. Some children have only a few spots, while others can have a more widespread rash.
The appearance can vary, so if you are unsure whether your child's rash is hand, foot and mouth disease, it is worth discussing it with your GP.
Image sourced from DermNet
How long does hand, foot and mouth disease last?
Most children recover from hand, foot and mouth disease within 7–10 days.
The fever and other viral symptoms generally settle first, while the spots and blisters gradually dry and heal.
It is normal for your child to have a reduced appetite for a few days, particularly if they have painful mouth ulcers. The most important thing is making sure they continue to drink enough fluids.
How is hand, foot and mouth disease treated?
There is no specific medication that cures hand, foot and mouth disease. Because it is caused by a virus, antibiotics do not treat the infection.
Treatment is mainly focused on keeping your child comfortable and preventing dehydration.
1. Encourage plenty of fluids
Fluids are particularly important if your child has painful mouth ulcers.
Offer small, frequent drinks rather than expecting your child to drink a large amount at once.
Some children find cold drinks, icy poles or other cool foods more comfortable when their mouth is sore.
If your child is refusing to drink, seek medical advice, as dehydration can become a concern.
2. Treat pain and fever
Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used to help manage pain and fever when appropriate for your child's age and circumstances.
Always follow the recommended dosing instructions, or speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about the correct dose.
Do not give aspirin to children.
3. Leave the blisters alone
Try not to pop, pierce or squeeze the blisters.
Allow them to dry naturally and keep the affected skin clean.
How contagious is hand, foot and mouth disease?
Hand, foot and mouth disease is highly contagious.
The virus can spread through:
- saliva and respiratory secretions
- coughing and sneezing
- fluid from blisters
- faeces (poo)
- contaminated toys, objects and surfaces.
Children are particularly infectious during the first week of illness, although the virus can continue to be present in faeces for several weeks.
This is one reason hand, foot and mouth disease can spread quickly through childcare centres and families.
How can I prevent hand, foot and mouth disease spreading?
Good hygiene is the best way to reduce the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease.
Try to:
- wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after changing nappies or using the toilet
- wash hands before preparing or eating food
- avoid sharing cups, cutlery and other personal items
- clean toys and frequently touched surfaces
- teach children to cough and sneeze into their elbow
- avoid touching or popping blisters
- wash hands after caring for an unwell child.
Good hand hygiene is particularly important because the virus can spread through both respiratory secretions and faeces.
Can my child go to childcare or school with hand, foot and mouth disease?
Your child should generally stay home while they are infectious.
The Royal Children's Hospital recommends that children with hand, foot and mouth disease stay away from childcare or school until the fluid in their blisters has dried.
Childcare centres and schools may also have their own illness policies, so it is worth checking with your child's centre or school.
Can adults get hand, foot and mouth disease?
Yes. Adults can catch hand, foot and mouth disease, although the illness is often much milder than it is in children.
Some adults may have only mild symptoms, while others can develop fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers or a rash.
Good hand hygiene is particularly important for parents and carers looking after an infected child.
Can my child get hand, foot and mouth disease more than once?
Yes.
Having hand, foot and mouth disease does not provide complete protection against future infections because several different viruses can cause the illness.
A child can therefore develop hand, foot and mouth disease more than once. Subsequent infections may be milder.
Is hand, foot and mouth disease dangerous?
For most children, hand, foot and mouth disease is a mild illness that gets better without complications.
The main issue parents should watch for is dehydration, particularly when painful mouth ulcers make drinking difficult.
Rarely, more serious complications can occur. A child who becomes very drowsy, pale or unusually unwell, develops shortness of breath, significant abdominal pain or seizures requires urgent medical assessment.
When should I see a GP?
You should arrange a medical assessment if:
- your child is not drinking enough
- you are concerned they may be dehydrated
- your child is becoming more unwell rather than improving
- your child has persistent or concerning fever
- the rash looks unusual or is becoming infected
- you are unsure whether the rash is actually hand, foot and mouth disease
- you are concerned about your child's symptoms.
When is hand, foot and mouth disease an emergency?
Seek urgent medical attention if your child looks seriously unwell, is very drowsy or difficult to wake, has difficulty breathing or has a seizure.
A fever with a rash that does not fade (blanch) when pressed can be a sign of a serious infection and requires urgent medical attention. Call 000 if your child has a fever and a non-blanching rash and you are concerned they may be seriously unwell.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
How long is hand, foot and mouth disease contagious?
Hand, foot and mouth disease is most contagious during the first week, but the virus can continue to be shed in faeces for several weeks.
How long does hand, foot and mouth disease take to go away?
Most children recover within 7–10 days.
Can I treat hand, foot and mouth disease at home?
Yes. Most children can be managed at home with plenty of fluids, rest and appropriate pain relief. The most important thing is ensuring your child stays hydrated.
Do antibiotics treat hand, foot and mouth disease?
No. Hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not treat the infection.
Can my child go swimming with hand, foot and mouth disease?
It is best to avoid swimming and group activities while your child is unwell and has active blisters. Follow your childcare centre, school or swimming facility's advice about when your child can return.
Can adults get hand, foot and mouth disease?
Yes. Adults can become infected, although symptoms are often milder than in children.
Key points for parents
Hand, foot and mouth disease is common, contagious and usually mild.
The most important things to remember are:
- Most children recover within 7–10 days.
- Encourage plenty of fluids, particularly if mouth ulcers are painful.
- Use appropriate pain relief to help your child drink and remain comfortable.
- Don't pop the blisters.
- Practise good hand hygiene to reduce the spread of infection.
- Keep your child home from childcare or school until the fluid in the blisters has dried.
- Seek medical advice if your child is not drinking, may be dehydrated or is becoming more unwell.
If you are concerned about your child's symptoms or are unsure whether they have hand, foot and mouth disease, your GP can assess your child and advise you about appropriate treatment and when they can safely return to childcare or school.
This article provides general health information and does not replace an individual medical assessment. If your child is seriously unwell or you are concerned about an emergency, seek urgent medical attention or call 000.
Further information
- Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne – Kids Health Info: Hand, foot and mouth disease
- Healthdirect Australia – Hand, foot and mouth disease
- Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne – Dehydration in babies and children
- DermNet - Hand, foot, and mouth disease
Written by Dr Max Lippiatt
Specialist General Practitioner
Last reviewed September 2026
If you are concerned about your child's symptoms, you can arrange an appointment with Dr Max Lippiatt, a General Practitioner in Abbotsford.