Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by a virus called Coxsackie virus.  Antibiotics will not help hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Symptoms may include:

  • Sore throat
  • Drooling
  • Sores in the mouth
  • 1/3 of children get small red bumps or blisters on the hands and feet
  • fever
  • loose stools
  • decreased appetite and refusal to drink

Treatment

  • If your child has hand, foot, and mouth disease:
  • encourage fluid intake
  • use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain
  • avoid acidic beverages, and salty or spicy foods

Call or make an appointment online if:

  • Your child has not had urine in 10 hours
  • Your child refuses to drink liquids
  • Your child is short of breath
  • Your child’s neck is stiff

 Return to the Childhood Illness Guide.