Hand, Foot & Mouth (& Bum)

[NewUserName2025]

Hi all,

My 19 month old appears to have a mild case of HFM (we were with friends the end of last week who have just had a confirmed case) - spots mostly on their bum/groin, couple on hands/feet, nothing on face or in mouth that I can see.

They’re actually okay at the moment in themselves, no raised temperature, eating and drinking as usual (so assume no sore throat), a bit whingey but that could be because it’s been hot.

I know the guidance is to stay off school/nursery until temperature has gone and they’re feeling better. They don’t go to nursery currently, but under this guidance they would be fine to attend as they are at the moment.

My question is really around groups - we have 2 groups we book in advance for each week (Monday and Wednesday) - is it best to keep them home from these next week? We are staying away from swimming this week (know it’s a place where HFM is spread easily), but how long (if needed) should we stay away from toddler groups?

Thanks in advance!

Theyre not supposed to be around children again until the blisters have burst and scabbed over & of course once the temp etc has gone so i would say until then. My daughter had it last year and I didnt put her back in nursery til theyd all scabbed over etc x

NHS advice is that they are fine to go to school or nursery with no need to wait until the blisters have scabbed over.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hand-foot-mouth-disease/

I'd personally avoid clubs as they feel more optional and they are maybe less likely to have already been in contact with those children and already given it to them!

You’re also quite likely to come into contact with pregnant mums at baby groups.

My daughter caught this at nursery from another child and it was horrific. Her immune system was low so she had a bad case. The only way to describe it is she looked like someone had thrown a kettle of boiling water over her. Would absolutely keep them home until it’s safe enough.

Thanks all, I had come to the same conclusion to be honest - I don’t want to introduce it to a ‘new’ group of children, so we’ll definitely give Monday a miss, and probably Wednesday too.

LO is doing well on the whole, but their bum is by far the most affected - it looks like it should be really sore, but doesn’t seem to be bothering them at all, which I’m thankful for. Still no temperature, just a broken nights sleep.

Hopefully it will be starting to improve (the spots/blisters) over the weekend.

After the third round of HFM (don't get me started), it caused such bad nappy rash for my little one that a whole later of skin peeled off their genitals - I felt so sorry for my DC! Fortunately it hasn't left any lasting marks.