Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection that brings painful ulcers in the mouth and throat and a blistery rash on the hands and feet. MedlinePlus, from the National Library of Medicine, says it most often begins in the throat and is most common in children under age 10, though teens and adults can sometimes get it. The mouth sores are usually the hardest part, because they can make eating and drinking painful.
What causes it and how it spreads
MedlinePlus says HFMD is most commonly caused by coxsackievirus A16 and usually occurs in the summer and early fall. You can catch it if:
- a person with the infection sneezes, coughs or blows their nose near you
- you touch your nose, eyes or mouth after touching something contaminated, such as a toy or doorknob
- you touch stools or fluid from the blisters of an infected person
The virus spreads most easily during the first week of illness.
Symptoms
Symptoms start about 3 to 7 days after contact with the virus (MedlinePlus):
- fever and headache
- loss of appetite
- sore throat
- ulcers in the throat (including the tonsils), mouth and tongue
- a rash with very small blisters on the hands, feet and diaper area that may be tender when pressed
A provider can usually diagnose it from the symptoms and the rash.
Treatment and home care
MedlinePlus says there is no specific treatment other than symptom relief. Antibiotics don’t work because it’s a virus. To ease symptoms:
- Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever. Do not give aspirin for viral illnesses to anyone age 18 or younger.
- Try salt water mouth rinses (1/2 teaspoon, or 6 grams, of salt in 1 glass of warm water).
- Drink plenty of fluids. Cold milk products are the best.
- Avoid juice and soda, because their acid causes burning pain in the ulcers.
Keep teeth clean gently while the mouth is sore. See how to brush your teeth.
What to expect
MedlinePlus says complete recovery happens in 5 to 7 days. Possible complications include dehydration and seizures from high fever (febrile seizures).
When to call a provider
- Signs of complications, such as pain in the neck or arms and legs.
- Medicine doesn’t lower a high fever.
- Signs of dehydration: dry skin and mucus membranes, weight loss, irritability, decreased alertness, or less or darker urine.
Convulsions are an emergency. Call 911 or your local emergency number.
Prevention
Avoid contact with people who have HFMD. Wash your hands well and often, especially around sick people, and teach children to do the same (MedlinePlus).
How HFMD compares with other mouth sores
- Herpangina: a related coxsackie virus illness with mouth and throat ulcers.
- Herpetic stomatitis: caused by herpes simplex, with blisters and swollen gums.
- Canker sores: not viral. See canker sores vs cold sores.
Frequently asked questions
Can adults get it?
Yes, sometimes. MedlinePlus says children under 10 are most often affected.
Will antibiotics help?
No. MedlinePlus explains antibiotics treat bacteria, not viruses.
Sources
By the Dentist Review Editorial Team.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to a licensed dentist about your own situation. See our disclaimer.
Featured image: “Washing hands with soap (1)” by Beat Ruest, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and compressed for the web.
Our guides are written and reviewed by the Dentist Review editorial team. We research each topic using public, authoritative sources such as the CDC, the National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIDCR), the American Dental Association (ADA) and CMS, and we update guides when guidance changes. Guides are for general information only and are not dental or medical advice; please read our disclaimer and learn more about us.