Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Brief Version

What is hand, foot and mouth disease?

Your child may have hand, foot, and mouth disease, if your child has:

• Small, painful sores in his mouth.
• Small water blisters or red spots on the palms of his hands and soles of the feet. You may also see these on the webs between the fingers and toes.
• Five or fewer blisters on each hand or foot
• Fever between 100°F and 102°F

Children 6 months to 4 years old are most at risk. The disease happens most often in the summer or fall.

A virus causes this disease. The fever goes away by the 3rd or 4th day. The mouth sores go away in 7 days. The rash on the hands and feet can last 10 days.

How can I take care of my child?

Helping the pain.

• If your child is very young, put 1/2 teaspoon antacid solution in the front of the mouth 4 times a day after meals.
• Children over age 4 can use 1 teaspoon of an antacid solution as a mouthwash after meals.
• Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen if your child's mouth really hurts, or for fever over 102° F. No aspirin.

Feeding your child.

• Give soft foods, like yogurt, cottage cheese, and Jell-O.
• Use a cup instead of a bottle.
• Cold drinks, milkshakes, Popsicles, and sherbet can feel good.
• Stay away from citrus, salty, or spicy foods.

Spreading hand, foot, and mouth disease.

• Your child's playmates may get the disease in 3 to 6 days.
• Your child may go back to school when the fever goes away.

Call your child's doctor right away if:

• Your child has not urinated for more than 8 hours.
• Your child gets a stiff neck.
• Your child acts very sick.

Call your child's doctor during office hours if:

• The fever lasts more than 3 days.
• You have other concerns or questions.