My child has blisters on hands, feet, and mouth - is it HFMD? YES, these are classic symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), a common viral infection in children that usually resolves on its own in 7-10 days.
Don't panic if your child is diagnosed with HFMD! While it looks scary with painful blisters and sores, it's usually a mild illness. Most children recover completely within a week without any treatment. It's extremely common in India, especially during monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, and spreads quickly in schools and daycares. The key is managing symptoms and preventing spread to other family members.
What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
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HFMD is a viral infection that causes:
Painful sores in the mouth (mooh mein chhale)
Blisters on hands and feet
Sometimes rash on buttocks and legs
Fever
Who Gets HFMD?
Most common in children under 5 years
Can affect older children and adults
Spreads easily in schools, daycares, playgrounds
More common during monsoon and post-monsoon
Causes:
Coxsackievirus (most common)
Enterovirus 71 (can be more severe)
Spreads through:
Saliva (talking, coughing)
Blister fluid
Stool (potty)
Contaminated surfaces
Symptoms to Watch For
Initial Symptoms (Day 1-2):
Fever (usually 38-39°C / 100-102°F)
Sore throat (gala dard)
Poor appetite (refuses to eat)
General unwell feeling
Irritability
Mouth Sores (Day 1-2):
Red spots that become painful ulcers
Usually on tongue, gums, inside cheeks
Very painful - child refuses to eat/drink
Drooling in younger children
Skin Rash/Blisters (Day 2-3):
Small red spots that become blisters
On palms of hands
On soles of feet
Sometimes on knees, elbows, buttocks
Usually NOT itchy but may be uncomfortable
Timeline:
Day
What Happens
1-2
Fever, sore throat
2-3
Mouth sores appear
3-4
Hand and foot blisters develop
5-7
Fever subsides, symptoms improve
7-10
Full recovery
Home Remedies and Care
For Pain and Fever:
Paracetamol (Crocin/Calpol):
For fever and pain relief
Follow dosage by weight/age
Can give every 4-6 hours if needed
Ibuprofen (Brufen):
Alternative for pain
Do not give to dehydrated children
Follow pediatrician's advice
For Mouth Sores (Most Challenging):
Cold Foods:
Ice cream, kulfi, cold milk
Cold curd (dahi)
Popsicles, ice chips
Provides relief from mouth pain
Soft, Bland Foods:
Khichdi
Dahi chawal
Mashed banana
Cold soups
Avoid spicy, salty, acidic foods
Mouth Rinse (for older children):
Salt water gargle
Provides temporary relief
Don't force if child refuses
Stay Hydrated:
Offer small sips frequently
Cold water, coconut water
Popsicles if child won't drink
Watch for dehydration
For Skin Blisters:
Don't pop the blisters!
Keep skin clean and dry
Loose, cotton clothing
Calamine lotion may help (optional)
Blisters heal on their own in 7-10 days
Traditional Remedies:
Coconut oil: Can apply on skin blisters
Honey: For mouth sores (only 1+ year)
Tulsi water: May help boost immunity
Cold buttermilk: Soothing for mouth
When to See a Doctor
Seek immediate care if:
Child refuses to drink for more than a few hours
Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, no urination for 6+ hours)
Very high fever (above 39°C / 102°F) that doesn't respond to medicine
Unusual drowsiness or extreme irritability
Difficulty breathing
Child under 6 months with symptoms
Consult pediatrician if:
Fever lasts more than 3 days
Symptoms seem to be getting worse, not better
Blisters become infected (pus, spreading redness)
Child has underlying health conditions
You're unsure about the diagnosis
How Long is HFMD Contagious?
HFMD is most contagious:
During the first week of illness
While blisters still have fluid
Can remain in stool for weeks
Isolation Guidelines:
Period
Recommendation
First week
Keep at home from school/daycare
Until fever-free
Must have no fever for 24 hours
Until blisters crust
Usually 5-7 days
Prevention Tips
At Home:
Hand Hygiene:
Wash hands frequently with soap
Especially after diaper changes
Before eating, after using toilet
Disinfect Surfaces:
Toys, doorknobs, phones
Use bleach solution or disinfectant
Especially during outbreak
Avoid Sharing:
Utensils, cups, bottles
Towels, toothbrushes
Food
Isolate Sick Child:
Separate utensils
Separate sleeping if possible
Careful handling of diapers
In Schools/Daycares:
Inform school immediately
Keep child home until fully recovered
Follow school's isolation policy
What's Normal During HFMD?
Normal (Don't Worry):
Child not eating for a few days (mouth pain)
Fever for 2-3 days
Blisters getting bigger before improving
Skin peeling after blisters heal
Loose stools
Not Normal (Consult Doctor):
Refusing all fluids for hours
Signs of dehydration
Fever lasting more than 3 days
Getting worse after day 3-4
Blisters looking infected (pus)
Expert Insight: Dr. Sumitra explains: 'Every baby's poop schedule is different. Some go 7 times a day, some once a week - both can be normal.'
FAQs
Q: Can my child get HFMD again?
A: Yes! There are multiple viruses that cause HFMD. Having it once gives immunity to that specific virus, but not others. Some children get HFMD multiple times.
Q: Can adults get HFMD from children?
A: Yes, adults can catch HFMD, though they often have milder symptoms or no symptoms at all. Practice good hand hygiene when caring for a sick child.
Q: My child won't eat anything - what should I do?
A: Focus on fluids first - dehydration is the main concern. Offer cold drinks, popsicles, ice cream. Appetite will return once mouth sores heal. A few days of less eating won't harm your child.
Q: How is HFMD different from chickenpox?
A: HFMD causes blisters mainly on hands, feet, and mouth. Chickenpox causes blisters all over the body and is very itchy. HFMD blisters are usually not itchy.
Q: Is there a vaccine for HFMD?
A: There's no vaccine available in India currently. Prevention relies on good hygiene and avoiding contact with infected people.
Q: Can HFMD affect my baby's digestion or potty?
A: Some children may have loose stools during HFMD. This is usually mild and temporary. Ensure proper hydration. The virus can remain in stool for weeks even after recovery.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. For personalized advice about HFMD in your child, consult with Babynama's pediatric experts on WhatsApp.
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