Overview
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common, mild viral infection of young children that causes mouth ulcers and a blistering rash on the hands and feet. It spreads easily in creches and schools, especially in warm, humid weather. Despite looking alarming, it almost always clears on its own within a week to ten days with fluids and comfort measures. The main challenge is keeping the child drinking, since the mouth ulcers can make eating painful.
Symptoms
- Fever and sore throat at the start
- Painful mouth ulcers on the tongue and inner cheeks
- A rash of small blisters on the palms and soles
- Blisters sometimes on the buttocks or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite from a sore mouth
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if a child cannot drink and shows signs of dehydration, has a very high fever, or seems unusually drowsy.
Causes
Common enteroviruses, spread through coughs, saliva, blister fluid and stool, especially among young children in close contact.