Should I use this page, or skip it?
Use this page if a child has mouth ulcers and spots on the hands or feet and you need fluids, school rules, and red flags. Skip it and call 999 if they are struggling to breathe, floppy, or severely dehydrated. This is not foot-and-mouth disease in animals — a completely different illness.
If you are not sure of the rash, see rashes in children.
What is hand, foot and mouth disease?
It is a common viral illness, mainly in young children, that usually gets better on its own in 7 to 10 days. It often starts with a sore throat, fever and poor appetite, then painful mouth ulcers and a raised rash on the palms, soles, and sometimes the bottom or groin. Adults can get it too.
It is not scarlet fever and not chickenpox. Antibiotics do not cure it.
How should I look after them at home?
Fluids are the priority if ulcers make swallowing hurt. Offer cool drinks little and often; avoid fruit juice. Soft, cool foods are easier. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can ease pain — follow the pack. A pharmacist can suggest mouth gels that are suitable for children.
Find a GPhC-registered pharmacy on Pick My Pharmacy. Wash hands, bin tissues, and do not share towels. Wash soiled clothes on a hot wash.
When can they go back to school?
Keep them off while they feel too unwell or have a high temperature. NHS advice is they can return as soon as they feel better — there is no need to wait until every blister has healed. Keeping them away longer is unlikely to stop the illness spreading.
Tell the setting if you wish. Use the NHS wording if they ask for a longer exclusion.
When is it 111 or 999?
Use 111 if they are peeing less than usual, have a very high temperature, or you are worried. See a GP if it has not improved after 7 to 10 days, or you are pregnant and catch it. Call 999 if they are struggling to breathe, unresponsive, or severely dehydrated and floppy.
In England, Scotland and Wales call 111 (NHS 24 in Scotland). In Northern Ireland there is no general 111 — use GP out-of-hours on nidirect. See pharmacy, GP, 111 or A&E if you are stuck on the door.
Is it the same as foot-and-mouth in animals?
No. They are completely different illnesses caused by different viruses. Hand, foot and mouth in people is a common mild childhood virus. You can get it more than once. Adults can catch it, usually mildly. If you are pregnant, avoid close contact with cases and speak to a GP or midwife if you catch it, especially close to birth.
Getting it shortly before giving birth can mean the baby is born with a mild version. That is a reason to mention it, not a reason to panic from a search result. Antibiotics do not cure this virus.
How can I help them eat and drink with mouth ulcers?
Offer cool fluids little and often — avoid acidic drinks such as fruit juice. Soft foods like yoghurt are easier than salty or spicy meals. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can ease a sore mouth — follow the pack. A pharmacist can suggest mouth gels suitable for children. Ice lollies sometimes help when cups are refused.
Dehydration is the main risk. Use 111 if they are peeing less than usual. They can return to school once they feel better — NHS advice is there is no need to wait until every blister has healed.
Tell the setting if you wish, and use the NHS wording if they ask for a longer exclusion than feeling better.
Who should skip this page?
Skip this page if breathing or severe dehydration is already happening — call 999. It is not a scarlet-fever antibiotic page, not a chickenpox crusting timetable, and not a reason to keep a recovering child off school until every spot has gone. Pregnancy near term still belongs with a midwife or GP if you catch it.
Common questions about hand, foot and mouth disease
- What are the first signs of hand, foot and mouth disease?
- It often starts with a sore throat, reduced appetite and a temperature. Painful mouth ulcers usually follow, then a raised rash of spots or blisters on the palms, soles and sometimes the groin or bottom. Not every child gets every feature. Colour of the spots varies with skin tone.
- Is hand, foot and mouth disease contagious?
- Yes. It spreads in coughs, sneezes, saliva, blister fluid and poo. You can spread it from a few days before symptoms, and you are most infectious in the first five days. Wash hands, especially after nappies. Do not share towels or cups. You can get it more than once.
- How can I help my child eat and drink?
- Offer cool fluids little and often — avoid acidic drinks such as fruit juice. Soft foods like yoghurt are easier than salty or spicy meals. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can ease a sore mouth — follow the pack. A pharmacist can suggest mouth gels suitable for children. Ice lollies sometimes help when cups are refused.
- When can my child return to nursery or school?
- Keep them off while they feel too unwell to take part. NHS advice is they can go back as soon as they feel better — there is no need to wait until every blister has healed. Keeping them off longer is unlikely to stop spread. Follow that NHS wording if a setting asks for a longer exclusion.
- Can adults catch hand, foot and mouth disease?
- Yes, though it is less common. Symptoms are usually mild — sometimes sore hands and feet without many mouth ulcers. Rest and fluids still matter. If you are pregnant, it is best to avoid close contact with cases and speak to a GP or midwife if you catch it, especially close to birth.
- How is it different from chickenpox or scarlet fever?
- Chickenpox is an itchy rash that blisters then crusts all over, not mainly palms and soles. Scarlet fever is a sandpaper rash with a bad sore throat and needs antibiotics. Hand, foot and mouth is viral and does not need antibiotics. If you are unsure, see rashes in children or use 111 rather than guessing from a photo.