Pediatrics

Hand, foot, and mouth disease evaluation available online today

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Adults can contract hand, foot, and mouth disease through exposure Symptoms typically go away within two weeks Easily transmitted and can spread rapidly

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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms, but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Learn about hand, foot, and mouth disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral infection that typically affects children younger than five. However, it can also affect older children and even adults. HFMD causes a rash with spots and blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth, thus earning its name. While generally treatable, the virus is highly contagious and spreads quickly. The spots can also be quite painful. Children experiencing their first exposure to the viruses that cause hand, foot, and mouth disease will generally have more severe symptoms than older kids or adults who have already been exposed.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease causes

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is caused by viruses from the enterovirus family such as: Coxsackievirus A16, Coxsackievirus A6, and Enterovirus 71.

This disease is highly contagious, and the virus can spread easily from one infected person to another through respiratory droplets when a person sneezes or coughs, saliva, drool, open sores or pus, and infected stool.

This means that you can easily contract hand, foot, and mouth disease via:

Close or direct contact with an infected person
Exposure to respiratory droplets of an infected person
Touching objects and surfaces that contain the virus

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person is most contagious during the first week of infection.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease symptoms

Children infected by HFMD viruses often exhibit the following symptoms:

Fever and other flu-like symptoms (e.g. sore throat, body aches, fatigue)
Generally feeling unwell
Painful mouth sores that typically start as painful red blisters in the back of the mouth
A skin rash on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, which can look like red spots with blisters

Note that the fluid in the blisters contains the virus and is a reason why the disease is so contagious.

Adults and older children who have been exposed to HFMD viruses before may develop only mild symptoms such as minor fatigue or low-grade fever, and may or may not have a rash.

How to treat hand, foot, and mouth disease

Given the viral nature of this disease, there is no specific treatment, but there are ways to relieve symptoms caused by the virus and to prevent dehydration.

Be sure to stay hydrated to keep healthy. The pain from the mouth sores can reduce the desire to eat or drink liquids. Especially for young children, it is important to make sure they drink enough fluids to prevent complications. Ice chips and popsicles can help soothe the mouth pain. Soft and easy-to-swallow food can also help. Often kids need treatment with over-the-counter pain medications in order to eat and drink enough.

Medication for hand, foot, and mouth disease

Over the counter medications other than aspirin, such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g. Advil) may help relieve a fever and the pain of mouth sores. These can be given every 3-4 hours by alternating the medications. Do not give aspirin to children or use numbing medications like lozenges or sprays in children younger than 6 years old.

How to prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease

You can prevent the spread of the virus by following these few simple steps:

Wash your hands frequently. Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to teach children proper hand washing techniques.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth since you may have the virus on your hands.
Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and items. For example, regularly disinfect toys and things children tend to touch.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease treatment FAQs

What is the best treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease?

There is no specific treatment, but there are ways to relieve symptoms caused by the virus. Symptoms of the disease typically go away within two weeks. Common over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g. Advil) can be taken to help relieve a fever and the pain of mouth sores.

What is the main cause of hand, foot, and mouth disease?

The main cause of hand, foot, and mouth disease is a virus belonging to the enterovirus family, such as Coxsackievirus A16, Coxsackievirus A6 and Enterovirus 71.

What ointment is good for hand, foot, and mouth disease?

A common symptom of hand, foot, and mouth disease is a skin rash with blisters on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Always try to keep the areas clean. After washing the skin with warm soap water, pat dry. When a blister pops, you can apply vaseline or antibiotic ointment to help with discomfort.

How long is a person contagious with hand, foot, and mouth disease?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an infected person is most contagious during the first week. These first few days represent the incubation period, even before the blisters develop. Typically, when the blisters are gone, you are less likely to be contagious. Stay home and avoid contact with anyone you know with a weakened immune system.

Can adults get hand foot mouth disease from a child?

Yes adults can get hand, foot, and mouth disease from a child. If you have the disease, do not go to work or any social events. Stay home to prevent spread.

How do you get rid of hand, foot, and mouth disease fast?

Symptoms of the disease typically go away within two weeks. Common over the counter medications such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g. Advil) can be taken to relieve fever and the pain.

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Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your hand, foot, and mouth disease symptoms.

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Step 3

Pick up prescription for hand, foot, and mouth disease treatment, if prescribed.

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Related conditions to hand, foot, and mouth disease

Some conditions may have similar symptoms to hand, foot, and mouth disease or look similar to hand, foot, and mouth sores. These include:

Chickenpox

Chickenpox: similar to hand, foot, and mouth disease in that both are contagious and cause rashes

Herpes

Herpes: similar in that both cause mouth sores

Insect bites

Insect bites: similar in that both cause rashes

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