Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Babies
The short answer
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a very common viral illness in babies and toddlers, especially during summer and fall. It causes small blisters or sores in the mouth and a spotted rash on the hands and feet. While it can make your child uncomfortable for a few days, it is not dangerous and resolves on its own within 7-10 days.
By Age
What to expect by age
HFMD is less common in very young infants, but when it occurs, it can cause more discomfort because babies cannot tell you about mouth pain. Watch for fussiness, drooling, and refusal to feed, which are clues that mouth sores may be present. Keep your baby well hydrated with breast milk or formula. Contact your pediatrician if your young infant develops this illness.
This is a common age for HFMD, particularly in babies who attend daycare. The illness usually starts with a mild fever for 1-2 days, followed by small red spots or blisters on the palms, soles, and inside the mouth. The mouth sores can be quite painful, so your baby may refuse to eat or drink. Cool liquids, cold foods, and pain relief with infant acetaminophen can help.
Toddlers are the age group most commonly affected by HFMD. The rash may also appear on the buttocks, knees, and elbows. Some children develop a more widespread rash. A notable late effect is nail changes, where fingernails or toenails may peel or shed 4-8 weeks after the illness. This is harmless and the nails grow back normally.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Low-grade fever (under 101.5F / 38.6C) lasting 1-3 days at the start of the illness
- Small red spots or blisters on the palms, soles of the feet, and inside the mouth
- Fussiness and decreased appetite due to mouth discomfort for 3-5 days
- Mild rash on the buttocks, legs, or arms without blisters
- Nail peeling or shedding 4-8 weeks after recovery, which is a common harmless aftereffect
- Your baby is drinking significantly less than usual and you are worried about dehydration
- Fever persists beyond 3 days or exceeds 102F (38.9C)
- The rash is widespread, very blistered, or appears different than typical HFMD descriptions
- Your baby seems excessively sleepy or irritable beyond what you would expect
- Your baby shows signs of dehydration: no wet diapers for 6+ hours, no tears when crying, sunken fontanelle, or dry mouth
- Your baby develops a stiff neck, severe headache-like behavior (screaming when moved), or persistent vomiting, which could indicate viral meningitis, a rare complication
- Your baby under 3 months develops a fever with this illness
Sources
Related Resources
Related Skin Concerns
Baby Acne (Neonatal Acne)
Baby acne is a very common, harmless condition that appears as small red or white bumps on your newborn's face, usually around 2-4 weeks of age. It is caused by maternal hormones still circulating in your baby's system and clears up on its own within a few weeks to months without any treatment.
Baby Blister on Lip from Nursing
A nursing blister (also called a suck callus) is a small, painless blister or thickened patch on your baby's upper lip caused by the friction of latching during breastfeeding or bottle feeding. It is completely harmless, does not hurt your baby, and does not need any treatment. These are very common in newborns and typically come and go in the early weeks.
Baby Chin Rash from Drooling
Drool rash is extremely common and appears as red, irritated, or slightly bumpy skin on the chin, cheeks, neck, and chest where drool sits. It is caused by the constant moisture and digestive enzymes in saliva irritating the skin. Keeping the area dry and applying a barrier like petroleum jelly before drool exposure is the most effective treatment.
Baby Dry Patches on Cheeks
Dry patches on your baby's cheeks are very common, especially during cold or dry weather. Baby skin is much thinner and more sensitive than adult skin and loses moisture easily. In most cases, regular application of a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer is all that is needed. If patches are red, rough, or itchy, mild eczema may be the cause.
Baby Ingrown Toenail
Ingrown toenails are fairly common in babies and toddlers, especially on the big toe. Baby toenails are soft and can easily curve into the surrounding skin. Most mild cases improve with warm soaks and gentle care. If the toe becomes very red, swollen, or shows signs of infection, your pediatrician can help with treatment.
Baby Nail Peeling or Splitting
Peeling or splitting nails in babies are very common and usually harmless. Baby nails are extremely thin and soft, making them prone to peeling, especially from normal wear and moisture exposure. This typically improves as your child grows and their nails become stronger. Keep nails trimmed short and moisturize the nail area gently.