Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral illness that causes fever, painful mouth sores, and a rash on the hands and feet. Hand foot and mouth disease symptoms usually clear within 7 to 10 days. It is most common in children under 5, but adults can get it too.

What Is It

It is caused by viruses in the enterovirus family, most often coxsackievirus. It spreads through saliva, coughs, stool, and blister fluid, and moves quickly through daycares and schools. Cases peak in summer and fall. It is not related to the animal disease with a similar name.

Symptoms

Fever and sore throat, often first
Painful sores in the mouth and on the tongue
A rash of flat or raised red spots on the palms and soles
Spots or blisters on the buttocks or legs
Fussiness and poor appetite
Refusing to drink because of mouth pain

Not sure it’s hand, foot, and mouth? Mouth pain can lead to dehydration in young children, which needs care. Fever alone without sores has many causes. Read more about fever.

Treatment

At your visit: Hand, foot, and mouth disease is diagnosed by the pattern of sores and rash. There is no antiviral treatment, so care focuses on pain relief and fluids. Children should be watched for dehydration.

At home:

Offer cold fluids, ice pops, and soft foods
Avoid salty, spicy, and acidic foods that sting
Use over the counter pain and fever medicine as directed on the label
Wash hands well, especially after diaper changes

Most children recover within 7 to 10 days. Fingernails or toenails sometimes peel a few weeks later.

When to Get Care for Hand, Foot, and Mouth

Watch at Home

Mild mouth sores, still drinking well
Fever that comes down with medicine
Playing and acting mostly normal

Come to Urgent Care Today

Refusing to drink, or fewer wet diapers
Fever lasting more than 3 days
Mouth pain that keeps your child from sleeping
Symptoms in a baby under 6 months
Symptoms not improving after 10 days

Go to the Emergency Department

No urine for 8 hours, very sleepy, or hard to wake
Stiff neck, severe headache, or confusion
Trouble breathing
Weakness, jerky movements, or a seizure

FAQ

What are the first signs of hand, foot, and mouth disease?

The first signs of hand, foot, and mouth disease are usually fever, sore throat, and poor appetite. Painful mouth sores and a rash on the hands and feet follow in 1 to 2 days.

Is hand, foot, and mouth disease contagious?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is very contagious, especially in the first week. The virus can stay in stool for weeks, so handwashing remains important.

How long does hand, foot, and mouth disease last?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease usually lasts 7 to 10 days. The mouth sores are often most painful in the first few days.

Can adults get hand, foot, and mouth disease?

Yes, adults can get hand, foot, and mouth disease, often from a child at home. Some adults have no symptoms, while others have painful sores.

Can urgent care treat hand, foot, and mouth disease?

Yes, urgent care can diagnose hand, foot, and mouth disease. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can confirm the diagnosis and check for dehydration. No appointment or referral is needed.

When can my child go back to daycare with hand, foot, and mouth?

A child can usually return to daycare once fever is gone for 24 hours without medicine and mouth sores have healed enough to eat and drink.

Last reviewed October 2026