Childhood illness guide
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Mouth ulcers and a spotty rash on hands and feet — unrelated to the farm-animal disease
By Clever Mum Parenting · Parenting guides
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What is hand, foot and mouth disease?
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common childhood illness that can also affect adults. Despite the name, it isn't the same as foot-and-mouth disease in farm animals, and it isn't linked to it.
What are the symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease?
- First stage: sore throat, high temperature, not wanting to eat
- Second stage: mouth ulcers, which can be painful
- A raised, spotty rash on the hands and feet, sometimes the groin or bottom too
How long does hand, foot and mouth disease last?
Usually gets better on its own in 7-10 days. It's infectious from a few days before symptoms appear, and most infectious in the first 5 days after symptoms start.
What helps hand, foot and mouth disease at home?
- Give cool fluids to soothe the mouth and prevent dehydration — avoid acidic drinks
- Offer soft foods like yoghurt; avoid hot, salty or spicy food
- Give paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease pain
When should you see a GP?
- Symptoms have not improved after 7-10 days
- You're pregnant and get hand, foot and mouth disease symptoms
Get help from NHS 111 or an urgent GP appointment if:
- You or your child has a very high temperature, or feels hot, cold or shivery
- You're worried about your child's symptoms
- Your child is peeing less than usual — a possible sign of dehydration
Is hand, foot and mouth disease contagious, and can my child go to nursery or school?
Keep your child off nursery or school while they're feeling too unwell, and let them return once they're feeling better — the NHS doesn't give a fixed number of days.
UKHSA guidance: UKHSA says no exclusion is required for hand, foot and mouth disease.
Your child can go back once they feel well enough, even if spots remain. Keep them at home while they have a high temperature or are too unwell to eat, drink or join in, and wash hands well because the virus spreads through saliva, poo and blister fluid.
Source: UKHSA exclusion periods for children’s settings (England), checked 25 September 2026. Your nursery or school may have its own policy.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: common questions
What is hand, foot and mouth disease?
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common childhood illness that can also affect adults. Despite the name, it isn't the same as foot-and-mouth disease in farm animals, and it isn't linked to it. Usually gets better on its own in 7-10 days. It's infectious from a few days before symptoms appear, and most infectious in the first 5 days after symptoms start. This is general information, not a diagnosis — see a GP or call NHS 111 if you're unsure.
What are the symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease?
Common symptoms include: first stage: sore throat, high temperature, not wanting to eat; second stage: mouth ulcers, which can be painful; and a raised, spotty rash on the hands and feet, sometimes the groin or bottom too.
When should I get urgent help for hand, foot and mouth disease?
Get help from NHS 111 or an urgent GP appointment if: you or your child has a very high temperature, or feels hot, cold or shivery; you're worried about your child's symptoms; and your child is peeing less than usual — a possible sign of dehydration.
Can my child go to nursery or school with hand, foot and mouth disease?
UKHSA says no exclusion is required for hand, foot and mouth disease. Your child can go back once they feel well enough, even if spots remain. Keep them at home while they have a high temperature or are too unwell to eat, drink or join in, and wash hands well because the virus spreads through saliva, poo and blister fluid.
Sources & further reading
- Hand, foot and mouth disease — NHS
- Public health exclusion periods in children and young people’s settings — UK Health Security Agency
This is general information sourced from NHS.uk, not medical advice or a diagnostic tool. Every child is different — if you're at all worried, contact your GP, call NHS 111, or in an emergency call 999. Last updated 25 September 2026.