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However, adults can also develop the illness if they have exposure to the virus. Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) can produce the same symptoms in adults as in children, but adults are more likely than children to be asymptomatic. This article discusses the symptoms and treatment of HFMD in adults. Is it more dangerous in adults Share on PinterestThis image shows how hand, foot, and mouth disease presents on the hands. Karl_BlaoStock/ShutterstockAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HFMD is generally not serious in adults or children. The CDC notes that most people recover from HFMD in 7–10 days without medical treatment. However, children under the age of 2 years may stay sick longer. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) states that most adults do not experience symptoms if they contract HFMD. Those who do will generally have benign symptoms. Complications that require medical intervention occur very rarely. Symptoms in adults HFMD symptoms in adults are the same as those in children. The symptoms can include:sores in the mouthan itchy rash on the hands, feet, or bothfeverflu-like symptoms How long does HFMD last in adults According to the AADA, most of the signs and symptoms of HFMD clear within 7–10 days. However, the CDC notes that people can spread the virus for days or weeks after symptoms disappear and if they have had no symptoms at all. Causes Enteroviruses cause HFMD. According to the CDC, the viruses that most commonly cause the illness include:Coxsackievirus A16: This virus is the most common cause of HFMD in the United States.Coxsackievirus A6: People who contract this virus may experience more severe symptoms.Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71): This virus is the most common cause of HFMD in East and Southeast Asia. Diagnosis A doctor will diagnose HFMD by performing a physical examination. This exam might involve the doctor:examining the rashes around a person’s mouth, feet, and handsasking the person about their symptomstaking a throat swab or stool sample to check for the presence of the virus The doctor may also consider the person’s age. Children ages 5 years and younger are the most likely to have the disease. A person should tell a doctor if they have been in contact with a child with the virus. Treatment According to the CDC, almost all cases of HFMD clear up within 7–10 days with no medical intervention. However, a person can treat the symptoms of HFMD at home by:taking over-the-counter pain medicines (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) to help reduce pain and feverdrinking plenty of water and other fluids to help prevent dehydrationusing a numbing mouthwash to alleviate the pain of mouth soresavoiding hot, spicy, or acidic foods An adult may not need any treatment if they do not have any symptoms of the infection. Recovery If a person has symptoms, these should go away with or without treatment within 7–10 days. Adults may wish to take a few days off of work if they have severe symptoms. It is important to note that the virus can pass to others for several days or weeks after symptoms go away. Preventive steps, including washing the hands frequently and avoiding close contact with others, can help stop the spread of HFMD. People with no symptoms can also transmit the virus. However, asymptomatic adults will usually not realize that they have the infection, so they are likely to continue their lives as normal. Complications In most cases, the risk of complications from HFMD is low. The largest risk is dehydration. The CDC also identifies the following rare complications:loss of fingernails or toenailsencephalitis or a polio-like paralysisviral, or aseptic, meningitis People who are pregnant should let a healthcare professional know if they have developed symptoms of HFMD or come in contact with someone with the virus. Prevention A person can take steps to avoid becoming ill. Many of the prevention methods for HFMD are also good for preventing other illnesses, such as the common cold. Measures to reduce the risk of an infection include:washing the hands frequently and thoroughlyavoiding close contact with people who have HFMDwashing and disinfecting surfaces and high-touch items regularly Can adults go to work with HFMD Although most adults with HFMD don’t experience symptoms, they may still be contagious and can spread the virus to others. People can stay contagious for days or weeks after their symptoms go away. Therefore, people with HFMD should not go to work and should isolate themselves at home to avoid spreading the disease. When to consult a doctor An adult with HFMD may not need to speak with a doctor. However, if they experience fever, mouth sores, or sores on their hands or feet, they may wish to seek medical advice. Parents or caregivers of young children who start to show symptoms of HFMD will likely not need to see a doctor if they can control the symptoms at home. However, children or adults should see a doctor if their symptoms do not improve within 10 days or are severe. People with a weakened immune system should talk with a doctor about HFMD, particularly if their symptoms are severe. People who get HFMD during pregnancy should also make a healthcare professional aware. A parent or caregiver should talk with a pediatrician if their child shows signs of the infection, particularly if other children at their school or daycare center have the illness. They should also seek medical advice if the child has severe symptoms, is very young, or is unable to eat or drink enough fluids. Outlook Although adults can get HFMD, they often experience no symptoms, so they may not realize they have contracted the virus. Those with symptoms of the disease can expect to make a full recovery within 7–10 days. Summary Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral infection. Infants and young children are most susceptible, but it can sometimes affect adults and older children. People can reduce their risk of contracting the virus by avoiding sick people, washing their hands regularly, and refraining from sharing drinks or food with others. Treatment typically involves managing the symptoms, if any appear. A person can expect to recover in about 7–10 days. Last medically reviewed on June 29, 2022Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses 3 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). (2021).https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/index.htmlHand, foot, and mouth disease in adults. (2022).https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2018/september/hand-foot-and-mouth-diseaseHand-foot-and-mouth disease: Overview. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hand-foot-mouth-overviewFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Megan Soliman, MD — By Jenna Fletcher — Updated on June 29, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageAll you need to know about hand, foot, and mouth diseaseMedically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, MD Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral disease that mainly affects children. It can cause a painful, blistering rash on the hands and feet and…READ MOREEverything you need to know about herpanginaMedically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, MD Herpangina is a condition that mainly affects children, and causes small blisters in the mouth and throat. 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