By Dr Susan Wang, Independent GP consulting from HealthMint Croydon
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common childhood viral illness that can look much worse than it usually is. It often begins with a few days of fever, tiredness and irritability, followed by painful mouth ulcers and small spots or blisters on the hands, feet and sometimes the bottom. If you are unsure what is causing your child’s symptoms, a GP can assess them. The independent GPs consulting at HealthMint Cranbourne North and Croydon provide children’s health care.
Key Takeaways
- Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral illness that commonly affects young children, usually causing fever, mouth ulcers and spots or blisters.
- Most children are back to themselves within 7 to 10 days.
- Children can remain contagious for up to a month, although they are most infectious during the first week.
- Children can usually return to childcare or school once the fluid in their blisters has dried and they are well enough to take part normally.
- Hydration is the main thing to watch at home, because mouth ulcers can make drinking painful.
- If your child is not drinking, is passing much less urine or seems unusually sleepy or unwell, a GP check is recommended.
What is hand, foot and mouth disease?
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection that is common in childhood. It is caused by enteroviruses and spreads easily where young children are in close contact, such as childcare, kindergarten and school. Adults can also catch it, although it is seen more often in children.
It is not the same as foot-and-mouth disease, which affects livestock. The two illnesses are unrelated.
What are the symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease?
Symptoms often develop in stages. Children may first have:
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Irritability
After a few days, painful mouth ulcers and small spots or blisters can appear. These may be found:
- Inside the mouth
- On the hands
- On the feet
- Sometimes on the bottom
The rash can look worse than it feels, but the mouth ulcers can make eating and drinking uncomfortable. Symptoms vary between children, and some children have only mild symptoms.
How long does hand, foot and mouth disease last?
Most children are back to themselves within 7 to 10 days. The fever and tiredness usually come first, and the ulcers and spots follow.
If your child seems to be getting worse instead of improving, or you are concerned about how they are going, it is reasonable to speak with a GP.
How long is a child contagious with hand, foot and mouth disease?
This is one of the trickier things for parents. Children can remain contagious for up to a month, although they are most infectious during the first week of illness.
That does not mean your little one needs to stay home for a month. The virus can continue to be shed in saliva, blister fluid and poo even after your child has recovered, which is why good handwashing remains important.
When can a child go back to childcare or school?
Children can usually return to childcare or school once the fluid in their blisters has dried and they are otherwise well enough to take part normally. Individual centres may have their own policies, so it can help to check with your child’s childcare or school.
There is no vaccine for hand, foot and mouth disease on the Australian immunisation schedule, but you can keep your child’s routine immunisations up to date through your GP. You can also read our guide to the childhood immunisation schedule in Australia.
How can you reduce the spread?
Good hygiene can help limit the spread of the virus at home and in group settings:
- Wash hands with soap and water after toilet use and nappy changes, and before preparing food or eating.
- Wash hands after contact with saliva or blister fluid.
- Avoid sharing cups, cutlery and towels while your child is unwell.
- Clean toys and frequently touched surfaces.
How can you care for a child with hand, foot and mouth disease at home?
The biggest thing to watch at home is hydration. Mouth ulcers can make drinking surprisingly painful, so some children drink less than usual. To help keep fluids up, you can offer:
- Frequent small sips of fluid
- Icy poles
- Oral rehydration fluids if needed
Soft, cool foods may also be easier to manage than hot, salty or acidic foods while the mouth is sore. A GP or pharmacist can advise on pain relief that is suitable for your child’s age and weight.
Does hand, foot and mouth disease need antibiotics?
No. Hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not treat it. Care at home focuses on keeping your child comfortable and well hydrated while the illness runs its course.
When should you see a GP about hand, foot and mouth disease?
It is recommended to have your child checked if they:
- Are not drinking
- Have significantly fewer wet nappies or are passing much less urine
- Seem unusually sleepy or unwell
- Are not improving as expected, or you are worried about their symptoms
A GP can assess how well hydrated your child is, examine their mouth, hands and feet, consider other possible causes of fever and spots, such as a viral illness or ear infection, and discuss appropriate care.
Seek urgent medical care if your child is difficult to wake, is having trouble breathing, or has a stiff neck or severe headache. These can be signs of a more serious illness.
When You’re Unsure, a GP Check Can Help
Hand, foot and mouth disease is usually a mild illness, but it can be hard to tell from other childhood infections when your child is feverish and unsettled. Young children cannot always tell you where it hurts, and sore mouths can quickly affect how much they drink.
If you would like your child’s symptoms assessed, you can book an appointment with a GP who consults at HealthMint’s Cranbourne North and Croydon clinics.
This blog provides general health information and does not replace personalised medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional. HealthMint complies with AHPRA advertising guidelines.