Symptoms Children may develop fever, sore throat, reduced appetite and painful mouth blisters, followed by spots or small blisters on the palms, soles, buttocks or around the mouth. Most recover within 7 to 10 days.
Spread The viruses spread through saliva, respiratory droplets, blister fluid, stool and contaminated surfaces. Children can remain contagious after symptoms improve, especially through stool.
Home care Offer cool fluids and soft foods. Avoid acidic or spicy foods if mouth sores are painful. Age-appropriate pain relief may help. Antibiotics do not treat the virus.
Preventing spread Frequent handwashing, cleaning shared surfaces, avoiding shared cups and utensils and keeping unwell children away from close contact help reduce transmission.
When to seek care Medical assessment is needed when the child cannot drink, has signs of dehydration, fever lasting several days, severe headache, unusual sleepiness, neck stiffness, breathing difficulty or symptoms that are getting worse instead of better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it the same as foot-and-mouth disease in animals?
No. They are different illnesses caused by different viruses.
Can adults catch it?
Yes, although it is most common in young children.
When can a child return to nursery?
Follow local rules; the child should be well enough to participate and fever-free.
Can the nails peel later?
Temporary nail changes can rarely occur after the illness and usually recover.
This information is for education only and does not replace medical assessment or treatment by a qualified physician.