What is hand foot and mouth disease?
Hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral infection — usually coxsackievirus A16 or enterovirus 71. Most common in kids under 5 but adults can get it. Highly contagious through saliva, blister fluid, stool, and surfaces.
Self-limited and rarely serious. Main goals: comfort care and preventing spread.
Do I have hand foot and mouth disease? Common signs
If most of these describe what you're experiencing, telehealth may be a good next step:
What causes it
Enteroviruses, especially coxsackievirus A16. Spread by respiratory droplets, saliva, blister fluid, stool, and contaminated surfaces.
Is it contagious?
Yes — highly. Most contagious during first week of illness.
The biggest worry isn't HFMD itself — it's dehydration from kids refusing to drink because their mouths hurt.
Can it be treated online?
Routine HFMD is well-suited to telehealth — photos confirm. Severe dehydration, persistent high fever, neurologic symptoms (stiff neck, severe headache, confusion), severe rash, or atypical features need in-person evaluation.
How hand foot and mouth disease is treated
Supportive: cool fluids and soft foods, acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever. Avoid acidic, salty, or spicy foods. Magic mouthwash (compounded — Maalox + diphenhydramine + lidocaine) for severe mouth pain in older kids and adults. No specific antiviral.
Self-care while you wait
- Cool fluids (popsicles, ice cream, smoothies) — easier on sore mouth
- Soft bland foods
- Avoid acidic, salty, or spicy foods
- Fever and pain control
- Frequent hand washing
- Disinfect surfaces and toys
- Keep child home until fever-free 24 hours
- Don't share utensils, cups
How long does it last?
7–10 days for symptoms; can shed virus weeks longer in stool.
Frequently asked questions
How long should kids stay home?
Most schools want fever-free 24 hours plus active lesions covered. Some require lesions resolved.
Can adults get it?
Yes — often milder but can be severe. Adults may have prodromal symptoms before classic rash.
Will my nails fall off?
Nail shedding (onychomadesis) can happen 4–8 weeks after illness — temporary, nails regrow.
Is it the same as foot-and-mouth disease in animals?
No — completely different. HFMD doesn't affect animals; animal disease doesn't affect humans.
Can I get it more than once?
Yes — different viruses cause it, so immunity to one doesn't protect from another.
