Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
A pediatrician, a doctor who treats children, or a family doctor usually cares for hand, foot, and mouth disease. A pediatric infectious disease doctor, who treats infections in children, may help with unusual or severe cases. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is hand, foot, and mouth disease?
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common illness that usually causes fever, mouth sores, and skin rash. It can spread quickly at schools and day care centers.
HFMD is caused by viruses. It is not the same as foot-and-mouth disease, which affects cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. Humans do not get the animal disease, and animals do not get the human disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually include fever, mouth sores, and a skin rash. Common signs include:
- Fever and flu-like symptoms, such as eating or drinking less, a sore throat, and feeling unwell.
- Painful mouth sores that start as small red spots, often on the tongue and insides of the mouth, then blister.
- A rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, which can also show up on the buttocks, legs, and arms.
Most children have mild symptoms for 7 to 10 days.
Complications from HFMD are rare. Some people, especially young children, can get dehydrated, which means they lose body fluids, if they cannot swallow enough liquids. Very rarely, a person gets encephalitis, which is swelling of the brain, or paralysis, which means they cannot move parts of the body.
Causes and who gets it
HFMD is caused by viruses that belong to the enterovirus family. Coxsackievirus A16 is typically the most common cause in the United States.
HFMD is most common in infants and children younger than 5 years old. It spreads mostly in the summer and fall in the United States, but you can get it any time of year.
The virus can spread through:
- Droplets with virus particles after a sick person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
- Close contact, like kissing, hugging, or sharing cups or eating utensils.
- Poop, such as when changing diapers, followed by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Objects and surfaces with the virus on them, like doorknobs or toys.
People with HFMD are usually most contagious during the first week that they are sick. They can still spread the virus for days or weeks after symptoms go away, even with no symptoms at all.
How doctors diagnose it
Healthcare providers can usually identify HFMD by examining the rash while considering the child's age and other symptoms. Sometimes they collect samples from the child's throat or poop and send them to a laboratory to test for the virus.
Treatment
HFMD is usually not serious, and most people get better on their own in 7 to 10 days with minimal or no medical treatment. Over-the-counter medicines can relieve fever and pain from mouth sores. Never give aspirin to children.
Mouth sores can make swallowing painful, so make sure your child drinks enough liquids to stay hydrated.
To help prevent spreading HFMD, wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers, using the toilet, and coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
When to see a doctor
See a healthcare provider if your child:
- Cannot drink well and you are worried they are dehydrated.
- Has a fever that lasts longer than 3 days.
- Has a weakened immune system, which means the body has trouble fighting germs.
- Is having severe symptoms.
- Has symptoms that do not improve after 10 days.
- Is very young, especially younger than 6 months.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if your child has trouble or abnormal breathing, a seizure, or a significant change in mental status, such as confusion.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type of doctor can examine a sick child, check for signs of dehydration, and explain home care. They can also help decide when a child is ready to go back to school and refer you to a specialist if symptoms are severe.
Common questions
Is hand, foot, and mouth disease serious?
No, it is usually not serious. Complications from HFMD are rare.
How long does hand, foot, and mouth disease last?
Most children have mild symptoms for 7 to 10 days. See a healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve after 10 days.
Is it the same as foot-and-mouth disease?
No, they are different illnesses. Foot-and-mouth disease, also called hoof-and-mouth disease, affects cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs.
Can a child with hand, foot, and mouth disease go to school?
Often yes, because HFMD is normally mild. Children can go as long as they have no fever, feel well enough to participate in class, and have no uncontrolled drooling with mouth sores.
Is there a vaccine for hand, foot, and mouth disease?
No, there is no vaccine in the United States to protect against the viruses that cause HFMD.
Sources
- CDC - About Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
- CDC - HFMD Symptoms and Complications
- CDC - HFMD: Causes and How It Spreads
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
