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General health information

Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection that mainly affects young children. It often starts with a fever, sore throat or loss of appetite, followed by painful mouth ulcers and blisters or spots on the hands and feet. The illness usually clears up on its own, but a sore mouth can make drinking difficult. Watch closely for dehydration, unusual drowsiness and difficulty breathing.

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  • Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common viral infection, especially in young children.
  • The typical combination is mouth ulcers and spots or blisters on the hands and feet. Sometimes there are also spots on the buttocks, legs or around the mouth.
  • The illness usually clears up on its own, and antibiotics do not help.
  • The main practical risk is not drinking enough because of mouth pain.
  • Watch for dehydration and call your GP if you are unsure, or HAP 9252 outside office hours for urgent symptoms.

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A child with mouth blisters caused by herpesA first herpes infection can cause painful blisters and ulcers in a child's mouth. Children often drink poorly, drool more and may have a fever. Dehydration is the main immediate risk. Avoid contact with the eyes. Herpes needs particular attention in young babies and children with reduced immunity. Call a doctor for poor drinking, little urine, unusual drowsiness, eye symptoms or possible exposure in a young baby.
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Childhood illnesses with rashesRashes in children are often caused by a virus and usually clear up on their own, but not every rash is harmless. Pay particular attention to purple or red spots that do not fade under pressure, unusual drowsiness, difficulty breathing, a stiff neck or rapidly worsening illness: these may indicate meningococcal disease or sepsis and need immediate emergency help. Measles and rubella are especially important during pregnancy and in people with a weakened immune system. Have your child assessed if you are unsure, especially with a high fever, dehydration or if they look ill.
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Sore throatA sore throat is often caused by a virus and usually clears up on its own. However, watch for difficulty breathing, drooling, inability to swallow, dehydration, a muffled voice, a uvula pulled to one side or marked swelling on one side of the throat. These may indicate a more serious infection or an abscess. Rest, fluids and soft food often help, but a doctor needs to assess warning signs promptly.