HFMD is very common, highly contagious, but almost always resolves on its own in 7-10 days! Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease causes painful mouth sores and rash on hands/feet. There's no specific medicine, but home remedies can help manage symptoms and keep your child comfortable. Most children recover fully without any complications.
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HFMD is a viral infection that causes:
Key facts:
| Day | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | Fever, sore throat, irritability |
| Day 2-3 | Mouth sores appear (painful!), child refuses to eat |
| Day 3-5 | Rash on hands, feet, sometimes buttocks |
| Day 5-7 | Fever subsides, sores start healing |
| Day 7-10 | Most symptoms resolve |
| Week 2-4 | Some children may have nail peeling (normal!) |
See doctor URGENTLY if:
See doctor if:
Normal (don't worry):
1. Cold Foods and Drinks
2. Salt Water Rinse (Namak Paani)
3. Coconut Water (Nariyal Paani)
4. Tulsi (Holy Basil)
5. Coconut Oil
1. Neem (Indian Lilac)
2. Aloe Vera Gel
3. Coconut Oil
4. Calamine Lotion
1. Keep Child Hydrated
2. Soft, Bland Foods
3. Fever Management
4. Rest (Aaram)
| Give (Achha) | Avoid (Mat Do) |
|---|---|
| Cold milk, ice cream | Hot foods, chai |
| Khichdi, dalia | Spicy food |
| Mashed banana | Citrus fruits (orange, lemon) |
| Curd, buttermilk | Chips, crispy foods |
| Coconut water | Carbonated drinks |
| Soft idli | Rough textures |
HFMD is VERY contagious!
Incubation period: 3-6 days (child contagious before symptoms appear!)
A: Mouth sores are VERY painful and refusing food is normal. Focus on: cold foods (ice cream, cold milk, frozen yogurt - yes, it's okay!), soft bland foods, and most importantly FLUIDS. Even if child doesn't eat solids for 2-3 days, it's okay as long as they're drinking. Dehydration is the main concern, not missed meals.
A: Rash looks worse than it usually is! Apply: calamine lotion for itch, coconut oil for moisture, or aloe vera gel. Avoid antibiotic creams unless doctor prescribes (it's viral, not bacterial). Rash will heal on its own in about a week. Watch only for signs of infection: pus, increasing redness, warmth.
A: Wait until: fever gone for 24 hours, mouth sores healing, and blisters drying up. Usually 5-7 days from symptom start. Child remains somewhat contagious for weeks through stool, but most schools allow return once acute symptoms resolve. Inform school about diagnosis.
A: Very likely! HFMD is extremely contagious, especially among siblings. Incubation period is 3-6 days. Practice hand hygiene but don't be surprised if other children catch it. Good news: it's usually mild in all children. Adults can get it too but usually milder.
A: Yes! Different strains of virus cause HFMD, so immunity from one episode doesn't protect against all strains. Some children get it 2-3 times. Each episode is usually similar or milder than the previous.
A: Yes, completely normal! Nail peeling/shedding can happen 3-4 weeks after HFMD and looks alarming but is harmless. Nails grow back normally. It's the virus affecting nail beds. No treatment needed.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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