Hand, foot and mouth disease

Updated: 2023-03-08

A common children's virus that causes sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet.

Overview

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is usually a mild illness young children get. A virus known as coxsackievirus is the main cause. The infection spreads by person-to-person contact and is common in child care settings. Washing hands often and well and staying away from others who have it can help prevent the disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually appear 3 to 6 days after being in contact with the virus. The disease causes blister-like sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. Other symptoms might include fever, sore throat and loss of appetite.

Treatments

There's no treatment for hand-foot-and-mouth disease. The virus usually clears up within 7 to10 days. Pain medicines bought without a prescription other than aspirin can help relieve symptoms.