That Fever and Rash Could Be Hand Foot and Mouth Disease
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
When Spots and Sores Leave You Wondering What Comes Next
You may have noticed a sudden fever, followed by tiny red spots on your child’s hands, feet or around the mouth. Or perhaps your child has stopped eating because their mouth feels sore. It can feel confusing and worrying, especially when symptoms appear quickly. At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic in Bukit Timah, we are here to walk you through it with clarity and care.
Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is common in young children and, thankfully, usually mild. But we understand that as a parent, seeing your child uncomfortable can be unsettling. That is why we offer gentle guidance at every step, from diagnosis to recovery.
What Is Hand Foot and Mouth Disease
HFMD is a viral infection that affects mainly children under five years old, although older children can also catch it. It is most often caused by the coxsackievirus and spreads through saliva, nasal secretions, and contact with contaminated surfaces.
The name comes from the areas where the rash typically appears, on the hands, feet and inside or around the mouth. It may look alarming at first, but most cases clear up with rest, fluids and time.
Signs to Look Out For
HFMD often starts with a mild fever and general tiredness. A day or two later, small red spots may begin to appear. Your child may:
Develop painful mouth ulcers, which make it hard to eat or drink
Show red spots or blisters on the palms, soles or buttocks
Have a low-grade fever or complain of feeling unwell
Become more irritable, especially when trying to eat or sleep
Show signs of poor appetite or drooling from mouth discomfort
Some children breeze through it with only mild symptoms. Others may need a little more support and time to recover. Either way, we are here to help you know what to expect and how to care for them gently.
How We Help at Joyful Seeds
At Joyful Seeds, our goal is to make every visit calm and reassuring. When you bring your child in, we start by listening to your concerns and understanding how the illness has progressed so far.
Your child’s care may include:
A gentle examination to check the mouth, hands, feet and skin
Guidance on how to soothe mouth pain and keep your child well-hydrated
Advice on managing fever or discomfort with child-safe medication
Supportive care recommendations for rest, nutrition and hygiene
Clear instructions on when to return for a review or seek further help
There is no specific medication to cure HFMD, but thoughtful care can go a long way in easing your child’s symptoms. If your child has more severe or prolonged symptoms, our experienced consultants Dr Charmaine Teo and Dr Martha Liu may recommend a closer follow-up plan to monitor recovery and comfort.
Caring for the Whole Family During an Outbreak
HFMD can spread quickly in preschools or playgroups. We know that a diagnosis can sometimes mean changes to daily routines, work arrangements or childcare plans. At Joyful Seeds, we support the whole family, not just the child who is unwell.
We guide you on when it is safe to return to school or social activities, how to reduce the risk of transmission, and what to expect in the days ahead. Our care includes both the medical facts and the emotional understanding that parents need to feel supported.
Let Us Help You Navigate This Gently
If your child has developed spots, mouth sores or symptoms you are unsure about, we welcome you to visit us at Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic. Early reassurance helps ease worry, and thoughtful care helps your child recover comfortably. We are here to guide you through it all, with warmth, patience and gentle expertise.
