What Hand-Foot-Mouth Looks Like

Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease: What Ontario Parents Need to Know

Seeing those telltale bumps and spots on your little one can be worrying, but hand-foot-mouth disease is usually mild and clears up on its own within a week. This common childhood illness mostly affects kids under 5, and while it's not fun, it's rarely serious.

What's going on?

Hand-foot-mouth disease is caused by viruses, most commonly coxsackievirus. It spreads easily through daycare centers and playgroups because kids touch everything and put their hands in their mouths. The virus lives in saliva, mucus, fluid from blisters, and stool.

Your child is most contagious during the first week of illness, especially when they have a fever. The name says it all – you'll typically see sores in the mouth and a rash on hands and feet, though sometimes the rash shows up on legs, arms, or diaper area too.

Most kids get better completely within 7 to 10 days. Once they've had it, they usually won't get the same strain again, though there are different viruses that can cause similar symptoms.

What you might notice

- Fever that comes on suddenly (often the first sign)

- Small red spots or blisters on palms, fingers, soles of feet, or toes

- Painful sores or ulcers inside the mouth, on tongue, or gums

- Sore throat or difficulty swallowing

- Loss of appetite or refusing to eat or drink

- General fussiness or feeling unwell

What helps at home

Keep your child comfortable while their immune system fights the virus. Cool foods like popsicles, smoothies, or ice cream can soothe a sore mouth, while avoiding acidic or spicy foods that might sting. Offer plenty of fluids – even small sips count if swallowing hurts.

For fever and discomfort, children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help, following package directions for your child's age and weight. Keep their fingernails short to prevent scratching the blisters.

Good handwashing is crucial since the virus spreads so easily. Wash hands frequently, especially after diaper changes, and disinfect toys and surfaces your child touches.

When to worry

Head to the emergency room if your child shows signs of dehydration like no wet diapers for 8 hours, no tears when crying, dry mouth, or seems very sleepy and hard to wake up.

Contact your doctor or text Arlo if your child has trouble swallowing liquids, seems getting worse after day 3, develops a high fever over 39°C (102°F), or if you're concerned about any symptoms. We can help you figure out if what you're seeing fits hand-foot-mouth disease or might be something else.

The takeaway

Hand-foot-mouth disease looks scary but usually resolves on its own with lots of comfort and TLC. You've got this, and your little one will be back to normal soon.

You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!

References - [Hand, foot and mouth disease](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/handfootandmouthdisease) - Caring for Kids (Canadian Paediatric Society)

- [Hand-foot-and-mouth disease](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=764&language=english) - AboutKidsHealth (SickKids)

- [Hand, foot and mouth disease](https://www.ontario.ca/page/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease) - Ontario.ca