Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Home Treatment

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease goes away on its own without any treatment in about 7 to 10 days. You can help your child feel better during the course of the illness with some basic home treatment measures.

• Have your child drink plenty of cool fluids. This can include Popsicles and ice cream, which can offer some variety.
• Treat fever and pain with acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20 unless directed to do so by your doctor because of the risk of Reye syndrome.
• Give your child any medicine prescribed by a doctor. This may include pills to take by mouth or lotions, creams, or ointment to put on the blisters.
• Do not give your child acidic or spicy foods and drinks, such as salsa or orange juice, which may make mouth sores more painful.

Your child will be contagious during the course of the illness, which lasts 7 to 10 days. But the virus remains in the feces (stools) and can spread to others for up to 2 months after the blisters and sores have healed. Be especially careful to use good hygiene for several months after your child is better.

To help prevent the disease from spreading:

• Tell child care providers and school staff about your child's infection. Ask about their policies regarding when your child with hand-foot-and-mouth disease can return to daycare or school.
• Have all family members be aware of using good hygiene, such as washing their hands often. It is especially important to wash your hands after changing the diapers of a young child who is infected. The virus can be in the stools of a child for up to 2 months after the rash has healed.
• Do not let your child share toys or give kisses while he or she is infected.
• Wear latex or rubber gloves when you apply any prescribed ointment to your child's blisters.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: April 22, 2009
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
© 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.