11/05/2026
🔹 Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common childhood illness that can also affect adults. It usually clears up by itself in 7 to 10 days.
The first signs of hand, foot and mouth disease can be:
👉 a sore throat
👉 a high temperature, above 38C
👉 not wanting to eat
After a few days mouth ulcers and a rash will appear.
🔹 You cannot take antibiotics or medicines to cure hand, foot and mouth disease. It has to run its course. It usually gets better in 7 to 10 days.
To help with the symptoms:
✅ give your child plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration – avoid acidic drinks, such as fruit juice
✅ give them soft foods like soup
✅ paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease a sore mouth or throat
🔹 Speak to a pharmacist for advice about treatments, such as mouth ulcer gels, sprays and mouthwashes, to relieve pain. They can tell you which ones are suitable for children.
See a GP if:
⚠️ symptoms do not improve after 7 to 10 days
⚠️ your child has a very high temperature, or feels hot and shivery
⚠️ you’re worried about your child’s symptoms
⚠️ your child is dehydrated – they’re not peeing as often as usual
⚠️ you’re pregnant and get hand, foot and mouth disease
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Source: NHS
