Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMK): causes, symptoms and treatment in children
Dr. med. Christine Stettner
March 17, 2026
5 min
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is a widespread viral infection that occurs mainly in young children. Although it is harmless in most cases, it can be a challenge for those affected and their families due to its high risk of infection and unpleasant symptoms. We spoke to Dr Christine Stettner, a specialist in paediatrics and adolescent medicine at our paediatric clinic, to give you an overview of the causes, symptoms and course of the disease.
What causes hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) and how is it transmitted?
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is a mostly harmless but contagious and widespread viral disease caused mainly by Coxsackie viruses (mostly type A16) and enteroviruses (often EV71) and occurs mainly in children under the age of ten. There are regular outbreaks in Switzerland, especially in kindergartens, schools and other community centres where children have close contact. Statistics on the exact spread or frequency of HFMK in Switzerland may vary, as there is no legal obligation to report it.
Parents and carers should be aware that HFMK is highly contagious and that hygiene measures and isolation of infected children are important to contain the spread of the disease. The viruses spread through direct contact with nasal and throat secretions, vesicular fluid, saliva or faeces of an infected person. Contaminated surfaces and objects can also be a source of infection.
What are the symptoms of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) and how does it progress?
The first symptoms of HFMD include fever, loss of appetite, sore throat and general malaise. After one to two days, a non-itchy skin rash develops with flat or raised red patches, sometimes with blisters. The hands and feet are usually affected, but the rash can also appear in the mouth (on the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks), on the buttocks or genital area, on the knees or elbows. Symptoms usually appear three to seven days after infection and HFMK usually lasts seven to ten days. The disease is usually mild and almost all patients recover within five to seven days without medical treatment.
What are the treatment options for hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD)?
In principle, HFMD is a harmless disease that heals relatively quickly and independently. No specific therapy is required. The symptoms, i.e. the fever, are treated with antipyretic medication such as ibuprofen and paracetamol. These medications also have a pain-relieving effect, especially if the children have aphthae (painful, inflamed ulcers) in the mouth. In addition, local anaesthetics can be given directly into the mouth in the form of gels, sprays or lozenges. It is crucial that the child drinks enough.
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