Your child may have hand, foot, and mouth disease, if your child has:

	Small, painful sores in his mouth.
	Small water blisters or red spots on the palms of his hands and soles of the feet. You may also see these on the webs between the fingers and toes.
	Five or fewer blisters on each hand or foot
	Low-grade fever between 100°F and 102°F

This happens most often in children 6 months to 4 years old.

A virus causes this disease. The fever goes away by the 3rd or 4th day. The mouth sores go away in 7 days. The rash on the hands and feet can last 10 days.

How can I take care of my child?

Helping the pain.

	If your child is very young, put 1/2 teaspoon antacid solution in the front of the mouth four times a day after meals.
	Children over age 4 can use 1 teaspoon of an antacid solution as a mouthwash after meals.
	Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) if your child's mouth really hurts, or for fever over 102° F. No aspirin.

Feeding your child.

	Give soft foods, like yogurt, cottage cheese, and Jell-O.
	Use a cup instead of a bottle.
	Cold drinks, milkshakes, popsicles, and sherbert can feel good.
	Stay away from citrus, salty, or spicy foods.

Spreading hand, foot, and mouth disease.

	Your child's playmates may get the disease in 3 to 6 days.
	Your child may go back to school when the fever goes away.

Call your child's doctor right away if:

	Your child has not urinated for more than 8 hours.
	Your child acts very sick.

	The fever lasts more than 3 days.
	You have other concerns or questions.