Hand, foot and mouth disease
Introduction
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common infection thatcauses mouth ulcers andspots on the hands and feet.
It's most common in young children particularly those under10 but can affect older children and adults as well.
Hand, foot and mouth disease can be unpleasant, but it will usually clear up by itself within 7 to 10 days. You can normally look after yourself or your child at home.
The infection is not related to foot and mouth disease, which affects cattle, sheep and pigs.
This page covers:
What to do if you or your child has it
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 28 Nov 2016
Introduction
Read about hand, foot and mouth disease. Find out what the symptoms are, how to treat it, and when you should get medical advice.
Symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease
The symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease usually develop between three and five days after being exposed to the infection. The first symptoms may include: a high temperature (fever),usuallyarou
What to do if you or your child has hand, foot and mouth disease
If you have hand, foot and mouth disease, the best thing to do is to stay at home until you're feeling better. There's no cure for it, so you have to let it run its course. To help ease your or your
When to get medical advice
You don't usually need medical attention if you think you or your child has hand, foot and mouth disease. The infection will usually pass in 7 to 10 days, and there isn't much your doctor can do. An
Preventing hand, foot and mouth disease
It's not always possible to avoid getting hand, foot and mouth disease, but following the advice below can help stop the infection spreading. Stay off work, school or nursery until you or your chil
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