Hand foot and mouth disease adults

Overview

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection that causes a rash of red spots or blisters on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth. It is usually mild and goes away on its own within 7 to 10 days. In adults, symptoms are generally the same as in children, but the illness can sometimes feel more severe.

Yes, hand, foot and mouth disease is very common worldwide, especially among young children in childcare or preschool settings. Adults can catch it too, especially if they care for infected children.

It mostly affects children under 10 years old, but adults of any age can get it. Adults who live with young children or work in childcare are more likely to be exposed.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Fever (high temperature)
• Sore throat and feeling unwell (malaise)
• Painful red spots or blisters on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and sometimes on the buttocks or genitals
• Mouth ulcers or blisters on the tongue, gums, and inside the cheeks
• Loss of appetite and irritability

Symptoms in children

• In children, the illness is usually mild. They may have a fever for a day or two before the rash appears.
• Mouth blisters can make eating and drinking uncomfortable.
• Some children have a sore throat or runny nose before the rash.

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, symptoms may be more intense, including higher fever and more painful blisters.
• Fatigue and muscle aches can be more noticeable.
• Recovery may take a bit longer, but serious complications are rare.

Causes

Main causes

• Infection with enteroviruses, most commonly Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71.
• The virus enters the body through the mouth, nose, or eyes, often from touching contaminated surfaces or close contact with an infected person.
• The virus spreads through respiratory droplets (coughs, sneezes), saliva, fluid from blisters, and stool.

Risk factors

• Being around young children, especially in daycare or school settings
• Not washing hands regularly after diaper changes or using the toilet
• Living in close quarters, like dormitories or military barracks

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have symptoms of dehydration (dry mouth, little or no urine, dizziness)
• If you have a severe headache, stiff neck, or are unusually confused
• If you have trouble breathing or chest pain

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you are unsure whether your rash is HFMD or something else
• If the fever lasts longer than 3 days
• If mouth pain prevents you from drinking enough fluids

Diagnosis

A doctor can usually diagnose hand, foot and mouth disease by looking at the rash and mouth sores, and asking about your symptoms. They may also ask if you have been around a child with the infection.

Tests that may be done

• No tests are needed for most cases.
• If the diagnosis is not clear, a doctor may take a swab from your throat or a sample from a blister to send to the lab. This is rare and usually only done during outbreaks.

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will do a simple physical exam. They will check your hands, feet, and inside your mouth. They will also listen to your chest and ask about your temperature and how you feel. The visit is quick and not painful.

Treatment

There is no specific medicine to treat hand, foot and mouth disease. The goal is to ease symptoms while your body fights off the virus. Most people feel better within a week without special medical care.

Self-care at home

• Rest as much as you need.
• Drink plenty of fluids – water, milk, or soup – to stay hydrated. Avoid very hot or acidic drinks if mouth sores hurt.
• Eat soft, cool foods like yogurt, ice cream, or mashed potatoes. Avoid spicy or salty foods.
• Gargle with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) to soothe mouth pain.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers for fever or discomfort – ask your pharmacist which ones are safe for you.

Medical treatments

If mouth pain is severe, a doctor may prescribe a mouth rinse or gel to numb the area. For very high fever, they might recommend a fever-reducing medicine. In rare cases, if you become dehydrated, you may need fluids through a drip at the hospital. Antibiotics do not work because HFMD is caused by a virus.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used for hand, foot and mouth disease.

Living with this condition

During the illness, you should stay home from work or school until you feel better and until the blisters have dried up – usually about 5 to 7 days. This helps prevent spreading the virus to others. Avoid close contact like hugging or kissing.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the toilet or touching blisters.
• Clean surfaces and toys if you have children at home.
• Do not share cups, towels, or toothbrushes while you are sick.

Diet and exercise

Light activity like short walks is fine if you have energy, but rest is more important. Eat small, frequent meals of soft foods. Drink extra fluids to prevent dehydration. When you are recovering, you can gradually return to your normal eating and exercise routine.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Feeling sick can be frustrating, especially if you have to miss work or social events. The mouth sores can make eating and talking painful, which may affect your mood. It is normal to feel a bit down. Remind yourself that this is temporary and you will get better soon. Talk to friends or family if you need support. If you feel very anxious or depressed, reach out to your doctor or a mental health helpline.

Prevention

There is no vaccine for most types of hand, foot and mouth disease, but you can reduce your risk by washing your hands often, avoiding close contact with infected people, and cleaning surfaces and toys regularly.

Vaccines

Currently, there is no widely available vaccine in the UK or most countries. A vaccine for Enterovirus 71 is used in some parts of Asia but is not available elsewhere.

Screening programmes

Routine screening for HFMD is not recommended. The disease is usually diagnosed based on symptoms, and most infections are mild.

Complications

If left untreated

• Dehydration from not drinking enough fluids due to mouth pain
• Rarely, the virus can cause viral meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) – this is serious but extremely rare in adults.
• Very rarely, the infection can lead to encephalitis (brain inflammation) or paralysis, especially with Enterovirus 71.

Long-term outlook

The great majority of adults with hand, foot and mouth disease recover fully within a week without any lasting problems. Complications are very rare. Even if you feel very unwell for a few days, your body will fight off the virus. With good self-care, you will be back to your normal activities soon.

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