Hand, foot and mouth disease
হাত, পা ও মুখের রোগ
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common illness in children, though adults can get it too. It causes mouth ulcers and spots on the hands and feet.
It has nothing to do with foot and mouth disease, which affects cattle, sheep and pigs.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Contact your GP practice urgently if:
- you or your child have a very high temperature, or feel hot and shivery
- you're worried about your child's symptoms
- your child isn't peeing as often as normal or is showing other signs of dehydration
If your GP practice is closed, phone 111.
Contact your GP practice if:
- your or your child's symptoms are getting worse or haven't improved after 7 to 10 days
- you're pregnant and get hand, foot and mouth disease
Spreading hand, foot and mouth disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease can be spread to other people. Check with your GP practice before going in. They may suggest a phone consultation instead.
Treatment
Hand, foot and mouth disease usually clears up on its own in 7 to 10 days. In most cases, you can look after yourself or your child at home.
Antibiotics won't help, since hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by a virus.
Treatment from a pharmacist
Ask your local pharmacist to suggest something for the pain, such as:
- mouth ulcer gels
- sprays
- mouthwashes
They can also tell you which ones are safe for children.
Prevention
How to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease
It’s not always possible to avoid getting hand, foot and mouth disease. However, there are some steps you can take to help prevent passing the infection on.
Don’t
- do not share cups, utensils, towels and clothes with people who are infected
Pregnancy and hand, foot and mouth disease
Speak to your GP practice if you’re pregnant and you become infected within a few weeks of your due date. Infection in pregnancy is usually nothing to worry about. But, there’s a small chance it could make your baby ill if you’re infected shortly before you give birth.
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