Infections
Medicines for Hand, foot and mouth disease
A common, mild viral infection in young children causing mouth ulcers and a rash or blisters on the hands and feet — it clears on its own within about a week.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Hand, foot and mouth disease?
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common and usually mild viral infection, mainly affecting young children but sometimes adults. It typically starts with a fever, sore throat and feeling unwell, followed by painful mouth ulcers and a rash of small spots or blisters on the hands, feet and sometimes the nappy area.
- How it is treated: There is no specific treatment, and it is managed at home with supportive care while it clears, usually within 7 to 10 days.
- Self-care: Offer plenty of cool drinks and soft, easy-to-eat foods, and use simple pain relief for discomfort and fever.
- When to seek help: See a GP or call NHS 111 if a child is not drinking and shows signs of dehydration (few wet nappies, drowsiness), if symptoms are severe or not improving after 7–10 days, or if you are worried.
What it is
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common and usually mild viral infection, mainly affecting young children but sometimes adults. It typically starts with a fever, sore throat and feeling unwell, followed by painful mouth ulcers and a rash of small spots or blisters on the hands, feet and sometimes the nappy area. The mouth ulcers can make eating and drinking uncomfortable. It is caught easily through coughs, sneezes and contact, and often circulates in nurseries and schools. Despite the alarming name, it is unrelated to foot and mouth disease in animals and almost always gets better on its own.
How it is treated
There is no specific treatment, and it is managed at home with supportive care while it clears, usually within 7 to 10 days. The main aims are keeping the child comfortable and, importantly, keeping them drinking to avoid dehydration, as the mouth ulcers can put children off fluids — cool drinks and soft foods help. Simple pain relief can ease discomfort and fever. Good hand hygiene reduces spread. Children can usually return to nursery or school once they feel well enough, as keeping them off does not greatly limit spread.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Hand, foot and mouth disease
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Offer plenty of cool drinks and soft, easy-to-eat foods, and use simple pain relief for discomfort and fever. Good hand hygiene and not sharing cups or towels reduce spread within the family.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP or call NHS 111 if a child is not drinking and shows signs of dehydration (few wet nappies, drowsiness), if symptoms are severe or not improving after 7–10 days, or if you are worried. Seek urgent care for a very unwell or floppy child.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Hand, foot and mouth disease: frequently asked questions
How long does hand, foot and mouth disease last?
It usually clears on its own within about 7 to 10 days. Care focuses on keeping the child comfortable and drinking enough fluids.
Is hand, foot and mouth disease serious?
It is almost always mild and gets better on its own. The main thing to watch for is dehydration, as mouth ulcers can put children off drinking.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Hand, foot and mouth disease
- NICE CKS — Hand, foot and mouth disease
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