Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common and contagious viral infection, particularly in young children. Although it can look worrying, it is usually a mild illness that gets better by itself within 7–10 days. The sore mouth, ulcers and rash can still make children uncomfortable, so knowing how to manage the symptoms – and when to seek further help – can make things a little easier.
Hand, foot and mouth in Neath
We’re currently seeing increased local interest and enquiries about hand, foot and mouth disease in Neath. One of the questions parents often ask is whether children need to stay away from school or nursery until all the blisters have disappeared.
Current guidance says there is no set exclusion period. Keep your child at home while they are too unwell to attend, but once they feel better they can return – there is no need to wait for all the blisters to heal.
What Is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by a group of viruses called enteroviruses, including coxsackieviruses.
HFMD primarily affects children under the age of 5, although older children, teenagers and adults can also catch it. Cases can spread particularly easily where children are in close contact, such as nurseries and schools. While the infection can look alarming, HFMD is usually a mild illness that clears up on its own within 7–10 days.
The virus spreads easily through coughs and sneezes, saliva and nasal secretions, fluid from the blisters and contact with infected faeces. People can start spreading the infection a few days before symptoms develop and are most likely to pass it on during the first 5 days after symptoms start.
Recognising Symptoms of HFMD
Early symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease can resemble other common viral infections. Here’s what to look out for:
- Fever: One of the first signs of HFMD can be a raised temperature.
- Sore throat and reduced appetite: Children may develop a sore throat and show less interest in eating or drinking, sometimes before the more obvious symptoms appear.
- Mouth sores: Painful red spots can appear in the mouth and develop into ulcers, including on the tongue and inside the mouth.
- Skin rash: Red spots can appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet and may also appear around the groin, bottom and elsewhere on the legs or body. The spots can develop into blisters and usually are not itchy.
Most people recover within 7–10 days. One thing to watch particularly carefully in young children is hydration. Painful mouth ulcers can make children reluctant to drink, which can lead to dehydration.
How Is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Treated?
There is no specific medicine to cure hand, foot and mouth disease, and antibiotics do not work because it is caused by a virus. Treatment is therefore about relieving symptoms, preventing dehydration and keeping your child as comfortable as possible while the infection runs its course.
At-Home Care Tips
- Keep them hydrated: Encourage plenty of fluids. Cool drinks and ice lollies can soothe a sore mouth as well as helping to prevent dehydration. Avoid acidic drinks such as fruit juice, which can sting painful mouth ulcers.
- Choose soft foods: Foods such as yoghurt and mashed potato may be easier to eat. Avoid hot, salty or spicy foods if these make the mouth more uncomfortable.
- Consider pain relief: Paracetamol or ibuprofen may help relieve a sore mouth or throat if they are suitable for your child. Always check the product is appropriate for their age and follow the recommended dose. Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 unless specifically prescribed by a doctor.
- Ask your pharmacist: A pharmacist can advise about treatments such as mouth ulcer gels, sprays and mouthwashes and tell you which products are suitable for children.
When to See a Doctor
Most cases of hand, foot and mouth disease can be managed at home. However, you should get medical advice if:
- Symptoms have not improved after 7–10 days.
- You are pregnant and develop hand, foot and mouth disease.
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if:
- Your child has a very high temperature or feels hot, cold or shivery.
- You are worried about your child’s symptoms.
- Your child is passing urine less often than usual, which can be a sign of dehydration.
If you are worried that your child is becoming seriously unwell, seek urgent medical help.
Preventing the Spread of HFMD
Hand, foot and mouth disease spreads easily and it is not always possible to prevent it. People can pass the infection on before they know they have it, but good hygiene can help reduce the risk of spreading it to the rest of the family.
- Wash hands regularly: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet or changing nappies, and encourage children to wash their hands too.
- Use and dispose of tissues: Use tissues for coughs and sneezes and put used tissues in the bin as soon as possible.
- Don’t share personal items: Avoid sharing towels and household items such as cups and cutlery.
- Wash soiled clothes and bedding: Wash contaminated bedding and clothing on a hot wash.
- Stay home when unwell: Keep your child away from school or nursery while they feel too unwell to attend. Once they feel better, they can return – you do not need to wait for all the blisters to heal.
Keeping children away from school or nursery for longer once they feel well is unlikely to stop the infection spreading, because HFMD can be passed on before symptoms appear.
FAQs
Can hand, foot and mouth disease be mild?
Yes. Hand, foot and mouth disease is usually a mild illness, and symptoms can vary from person to person. Some children may have only a few spots or mouth ulcers and remain relatively well, while others may have a temperature, sore throat, reduced appetite and a more noticeable rash. If you’re unsure about your child’s symptoms or are concerned that they are unwell, ask a healthcare professional for advice.
Can adults get HFMD?
Yes. Although hand, foot and mouth disease is most common in young children, adults and older children can also catch it. Symptoms can include a high temperature, sore throat, mouth ulcers and the characteristic rash.
Can my child get HFMD more than once?
Yes. Hand, foot and mouth disease can be caused by different viruses, so having it once does not mean that you or your child cannot catch it again.
Is HFMD related to foot-and-mouth disease in animals?
No. Hand, foot and mouth disease in humans is not related to foot-and-mouth disease in animals. They are different infections caused by different viruses.
When can my child go back to school or nursery?
Hand, foot and mouth disease does not require a set exclusion period. Keep your child at home while they are too unwell to attend, but as soon as they feel better they can return to school or nursery. There is no need to wait until all the blisters have healed. Keeping children away for longer is unlikely to prevent the infection spreading.
How long is hand, foot and mouth disease contagious?
People can start spreading hand, foot and mouth disease a few days before symptoms develop. They are most likely to pass the infection on during the first 5 days after symptoms start. Good hand hygiene remains important because the viruses that cause HFMD can continue to be present in faeces after someone feels better.
What if I’m pregnant?
Hand, foot and mouth disease usually poses no risk to the pregnancy or baby, but it is sensible to avoid close contact with someone who has the infection where possible. Developing HFMD shortly before giving birth can mean that the baby is born with a usually mild version of the infection. If you are pregnant and have been in contact with someone with hand, foot and mouth disease, speak to your GP or midwife for advice.
Supporting Your Child Through HFMD
For most children, the most useful things you can do are encourage regular drinks, offer soft foods if their mouth is sore and use suitable pain relief when needed. Keep an eye on how much they are drinking and how often they are passing urine, as painful mouth ulcers can sometimes make children reluctant to drink.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: How Your Pharmacist Can Help
Most cases of hand, foot and mouth disease get better by themselves within 7–10 days. Keeping your child comfortable, encouraging plenty of fluids and knowing the signs of dehydration are usually the most important things you can do.
If you’re unsure what might help, speak to our pharmacy team at The Health Dispensary in Neath. A pharmacist can advise about suitable pain relief and treatments such as mouth ulcer gels, sprays and mouthwashes, including which options may be suitable for your child’s age.
If symptoms have not improved after 7–10 days, or you are concerned about your child’s symptoms, seek appropriate medical advice. For urgent advice when your GP is unavailable, contact NHS 111.
Reviewed September 2026 by Ali Sparkes, Pharmacist & Independent Prescriber.
Disclaimer: This article provides general health information and does not replace individual advice from a pharmacist, GP or other healthcare professional. If you are concerned about your child’s health or symptoms, seek appropriate medical advice.
