Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Symptoms and Remedies

The most common cause of HFMD is a virus called coxsackievirus A16. It's part of a larger family of viruses — the non-polio enteroviruses — that includes other strains capable of causing the same infection. One of those strains, enterovirus 71, is more common in children in East and Southeast Asia. The virus tends to peak in summer and fall but can circulate year-round in tropical climates.

HFMD spreads easily. Coughing, sneezing, blister fluid, saliva, and stool can all pass it along, and so can touching a surface an infected person has touched. It moves quickly through daycare settings, where kids tend to put their hands and fingers in their mouths. Adults can spread the virus even when they feel fine, and children are contagious throughout their first week of infection. Even after symptoms clear up, the virus can stick around in the body and infect others for days or weeks.

Fever is usually the first thing that shows up — typically three to six days after exposure. Because HFMD is generally mild, the fever tends to pass within a few days.

A sore throat usually follows a day or two after the fever starts. It's caused by painful bumps forming in the throat or mouth, though the soreness can set in before the bumps are even visible.

Bumps can appear on the tongue, gums, or inner cheeks. They can be red and painful, and sometimes turn into small sores. Swallowing becomes uncomfortable, but keeping up with food and fluids is still important — the body needs both to fight off the virus. If a baby or toddler is refusing to drink anything, it's worth calling a doctor.

A day or two after the mouth bumps appear, a rash usually shows up on the hands and feet. It's typically red but doesn't itch. Blisters or flat sores may appear alongside it, and the rash can also spread to the knees, elbows, and buttocks.

HFMD tends to leave kids feeling generally lousy. Babies and toddlers may get fussier than usual, and it's common to lose interest in eating. If things seem to be getting worse after a few days instead of better, check in with a doctor.

HFMD usually clears up on its own within a week. In the meantime, over-the-counter pain relievers can help with discomfort — but don't give children aspirin, which can trigger a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome. Children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen are safer choices, and numbing mouth sprays can also take the edge off. When in doubt, ask a doctor or pharmacist which option is best.

There's no cure for HFMD, but there are ways to make it more bearable. A doctor may suggest a numbing gel for the mouth to ease pain around mealtimes. For the rash, a soothing topical cream can help, and calamine lotion — easy to find at any pharmacy — can bring quick relief.

What your child eats and drinks can make a big difference in how they feel. Skip anything salty, spicy, or acidic — citrus juice, soda, and similar foods can really sting a sore mouth and throat. Soft foods that don't need much chewing are the way to go. Popsicles and ice chips are great for soothing discomfort, milk can help coat a sore throat, and gargling with warm salt water after meals may help calm some of the inflammation.