Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral infection that causes a rash or blisters on the hands and feet, as well as in or around the mouth. There are two types of viruses that cause HFMD, and the symptoms vary depending on the virus. Show
HFMD mainly affects children under the age of 10, but can also affect adolescents. It spreads easily from one person to another. It is possible to contract the virus more than once, but the symptoms will be less severe. HFMD is not related to the foot and mouth disease that is found in animals. Signs and symptoms of HFMDSymptoms usually start three to seven days after becoming infected, and can last from seven to 10 days. If your child has HFMD, they may feel tired, have a fever, and have a rash. Depending on which virus your child has, the skin rash can look like:
The blisters should not be itchy like chickenpox blisters. If your child has eczema, the HFMD can cause the eczema to worsen and potentially become infected with bacteria.
How is HFMD spread?HFMD is most commonly caused by the coxsackie virus. The main way HFMD spreads is through contact with the fluid from inside the blisters, or with the droplets spread from sneezing and coughing. The virus can also be present in bowel movements (poo) for up to several weeks after the person has recovered. To prevent the spread of HFMD:
Care at homeHFMD is a viral infection that rarely causes further complications. Antibiotics do not work on viruses and are not given to children with HFMD. HFMD will get better on its own, but there are ways you can care for your child at home:
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Common questions our doctors are askedIs HFMD dangerous for pregnant women? HFMD is not known to pose a risk to pregnant women or their unborn babies. My child still has blisters. Can she return to school? If the fluid in the blisters has dried, then it is safe for your child to go back to school. Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital Emergency and Infection Control departments. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers. Reviewed February 2018. Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit www.rchfoundation.org.au. OverviewWhat is hand, foot, and mouth disease?Hand, foot and mouth disease gets its name from the blister-like rash that forms on the hands, feet and mouth. The rash can actually appear anywhere on the body, including the trunk, extremities, genitals and buttocks. A virus causes this very infectious disease. It tends to spread quickly among children in day care and schools. Who might get hand, foot, and mouth disease?Infants and children younger than five are most likely to get hand, foot and mouth disease. Still, older children and even grownups can get it. It’s possible to catch the virus multiple times. How long is hand, foot and mouth disease contagious?You’re most contagious during the first few days of the illness, often before the rash appears. The blisters usually dry up in about 10 days. You’re less likely to spread it to others once the blisters dry up. However, the virus can live in stool for weeks after the rash goes away. Is hand, foot, and mouth disease the same as foot-and-mouth disease?No. Foot-and-mouth disease is also known as hoof-and-mouth disease because it only affects livestock. Cows, sheep, goats and pigs can get it — but humans can’t. Different viruses cause the two diseases. Symptoms and CausesWhat causes hand, foot and mouth disease? How does it spread?Viruses belonging to the enterovirus family cause hand, foot and mouth disease. Most often, a strain of the coxsackie virus is to blame. The disease is highly contagious and spreads through:
What are the symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease?Symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease typically appear within three to seven days after exposure. When the illness starts, you or your child might have a mild fever, sore throat, runny nose and little appetite. After a couple of days, these flu-like symptoms go away and these new symptoms develop:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is hand, foot and mouth disease diagnosed?Your doctor can diagnose the illness by looking at the blisters. Occasionally, a doctor tests for the virus by sending throat swab samples, or samples taken from blisters or stool, to a lab. If you know you or your child has been exposed to the virus, alert your doctor before scheduling an exam. To protect the health of other patients, your doctor may want to conduct a "virtual," telemedicine visit and make treatment suggestions over the phone/computer. Management and TreatmentHow is hand, foot and mouth disease managed or treated?Symptoms from hand, foot and mouth disease are typically mild. Most people improve in a week or two with minimal at-home care. Your healthcare provider may recommend:
What are the complications of hand, foot and mouth disease?Complications from hand, foot and mouth disease are rare. Occasionally, these problems occur:
How does hand, foot and mouth disease affect pregnancy?The virus rarely causes issues for pregnant women. Still, you should notify your doctor if you’re expecting and are exposed to the virus. PreventionHow can I prevent hand, foot and mouth disease?The virus that causes hand, foot and mouth disease is highly contagious. The infection often spreads before a person realizes they’re sick. You can slow or stop the spread of the illness through these good hygiene steps:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat should I expect if I or my child gets hand, foot and mouth disease?While hand, foot and mouth disease is uncomfortable, it rarely causes long-term problems. Most children and adults recover in less than two weeks with minimal treatment. It’s possible to have hand, foot and mouth disease multiple times. Living WithWhen should I call the doctor?You should call your doctor if you or your child:
What questions should I ask my doctor?If you or your child has hand, foot and mouth disease, you may want to ask your doctor:
Summary Symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease tend to be mild and go away with minimal treatment in less than two weeks. Because the virus is highly contagious, it’s important to practice good hygiene and take steps to keep it from infecting others. Your doctor can provide suggestions for symptom relief and offer tips for keeping other people healthy and virus-free. Can you be around someone with hand foot and mouth?Hand, foot, and mouth disease is contagious
People with hand, foot, and mouth disease are usually most contagious during the first week that they are sick. People can sometimes spread the virus to others for days or weeks after symptoms go away or if they have no symptoms at all.
At what point is hand foot and mouth not contagious?If you have HFMD, you are the most contagious for the first week, until the blisters scab over, however, you can be contagious for several days after your symptoms go away.
How long does it take to transmit hand foot and mouth?It is also spread by secretions from the mouth or respiratory system (often through sneezing and coughing), by direct contact with the fluid from blisters, and via objects or surfaces with the virus on them. It usually takes between three and five days after contact with an infected person before blisters appear.
Can you spread hand foot and mouth by touching?Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
You can get infected with hand, foot, and mouth disease if you have the virus on your hands and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
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