Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease: What I Did When Both My Kids Got It

droondemand
Sep 23
3 min read

A few weeks ago, both of my children, ages 3 and 1, came down with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) just days apart. If you’ve been there, you know: we were in the trenches. Sleepless nights, clingy toddlers, mouth sores that made eating painful, and a rash that looked worse before it got better.

Like many parents, I suddenly found myself not only a pediatrician but also a mom in survival mode. I reached for calamine lotion to ease the itch, Motrin for pain and fever, and even Zyrtec to help with the itching so they could get some rest. It was a reminder that sometimes, even with all the medical knowledge, you’re right there with other parents — doing what works, one day at a time.

Here’s what I want you to know about HFMD: what it looks like, how to manage it at home, when to worry, and how to prevent it from sweeping through your whole household.

What is Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease?

HFMD is a common viral illness caused most often by Coxsackievirus A16 or Enterovirus 71. It’s most common in children under 5 but can affect older kids (and even adults).

Typical symptoms include:

Fever (often the first sign)
Sore throat and decreased appetite
Painful mouth sores that can make drinking and eating tough
Rash: small red spots or blisters on the hands, feet, buttocks, and sometimes arms and legs
The rash can be itchy and uncomfortable

How Does HFMD Spread?

One reason HFMD spreads so quickly in daycares and preschools is because it’s highly contagious. It passes through:

Saliva, coughs, and sneezes
Fluid from blisters
Stool (during diaper changes)
Contaminated toys, cups, and surfaces

Prevention strategies:

Wash hands with soap and water (especially after bathroom breaks or diaper changes).
Disinfect toys, doorknobs, and other shared surfaces.
Avoid sharing cups and utensils.
Skip the hugs and kisses until your child is better — one of the hardest parts as a parent.

Caring for Your Child at Home

There’s no cure for HFMD, but supportive care makes a world of difference. The AAP guidelines recommend:

Fluids are most important: Popsicles, smoothies, and cold drinks can soothe sore mouths.
Pain and fever control: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) can ease pain and bring down fever.
Itch relief: Calamine lotion can help with rash itching, and an age-appropriate dose of Zyrtec (cetirizine) may be used if advised by your pediatrician.
Comfort strategies: Cool baths, soft or cold foods, and avoiding spicy or salty foods that sting the mouth sores.

When to Call Your Pediatrician

Most cases improve within 7–10 days, but call your doctor if your child has:

Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, fewer wet diapers, refusal to drink)
Trouble breathing or swallowing
High fever (over 102.5°F / 39°C) or fever lasting more than 3 days
Severe pain or unusual drowsiness/irritability
A rash that looks infected

Rare complications can occur, like viral meningitis or temporary nail changes weeks later, but they are uncommon.

When Can Kids Return to School or Daycare?

This is one of the most common parent questions. The AAP recommends that children can return when:

They are fever-free for at least 24 hours and
They feel well enough to join normal activities and
Any blisters are dried and no longer oozing

Your daycare may have its own policies, so always check their guidelines.

Final Thoughts

When both of my kids got HFMD back-to-back, I realized how exhausting it can be, even for a pediatrician. The long nights, the cranky days, the constant sanitizing, it’s a lot. But like most parents learn, HFMD usually passes without serious complications, and kids bounce back quickly.

If your family is going through it right now, know that you’re not alone. With supportive care and patience, your child will recover and you’ll make it through too.

Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always speak with your child’s healthcare provider about any concerns or before giving new medications.

-Dr. O 💛