Hand foot and mouth - help!

[Whatisgoingoff2024]

My 13 month old had 2 settling in sessions at nursery last week. They made us aware HMFD had been spiralling through the nursery.

Sunday night he become grizzly and the night was horrific. Woke up Monday morning covered in spots and a rash over his feet/ hands/mouth and groin area. Off his food but happy to still play as normal? Confirmed with GP Tuesday definitely HMFD.

He’s absolutely fine in himself in the day time and has started eating again. No temperature just obvious spots. He is full of energy and wanting to play all day.

But night time has been horrific. He just can’t get comfy or get himself to sleep. Last night he woke up at 12 and finally went to sleep at 4am. He doesn’t want to be cuddled, he’s just crying for hours. He’s up to date on paracetamol and ibroprofun. Nothing seems to work to get him to sleep. We have always been lucky that he’s slept through the night and can self soothe, so this is a complete shock to the system.

Any idea how long HMFD lasts for? I start back work next week and I feel so anxious. He must be so tired but he seems absolutely fine, like nothing has happened!

Can't offer a sleep fix but it's normal for them to have a sleep regreaaion when poorly, also normal to pick up every bug going at nursery....unfortunately. From what I recall the hfam lasted about 5 days in mine.

I was not ready for him to pick up germs that quickly!

Mine were the same with HFM. My youngest is usually really tough with illness, nothing phases him, but he was inconsolable for a few nights with it. It was the blisters in his mouth/throat that were the problem.
In my experience the worst of it only lasted for 3 days, fully better (if a bit scabby) within 5.

Poor thing, HFM is horrible and you can't send them back to nursery until the spots have scabbed over either - and be prepared they can get it more than once, my DD did

It's horrid but it will pass you'll just have a rough few nights as he will have ulcers in his mouth.