Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) typically lasts about 7 to 10 days. The illness usually resolves on its own within this time frame without the need for antibiotics or other specific medicines

. The disease progresses in stages: after an incubation period of about 3-7 days, initial symptoms like mild fever and fatigue appear, followed by the development of mouth ulcers and skin blisters on the hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks. These blisters usually dry up and heal within around 7 to 10 days

. Children, especially those under 5 years old, may take slightly longer to fully recover, but most improve within this period. The recovery stage, where symptoms resolve and the child feels better, typically lasts 3-5 days after the peak of symptoms

. Patients are most contagious during the first few days of illness, particularly while blisters and mouth ulcers are present, which is usually within the 7 to 10 day period. The virus can still be shed in stool for weeks after symptoms resolve, but the risk of spreading the disease decreases once blisters have dried up and healed

. In summary, HFMD usually lasts about 7 to 10 days from onset to recovery, with symptoms peaking early and resolving naturally within this period.