Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease

What is hand-foot-and-mouth disease?

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a contagious viral infection that causes sores or blisters in or on the mouth and a skin rash on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks and legs. They may be painful. The infection usually doesn't last more than a week or so.

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is common in children but can also occur in adults. It can occur at any time of year but is most common in the summer and fall.

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is not the same as foot-and-mouth disease (also called hoof-and-mouth disease or mad cow disease), which occurs in animals.

What causes it?

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is caused by a virus called an enterovirus.

The virus spreads easily through close contact when a person who is sick coughs, sneezes, or has a runny nose. It can also be passed in the stool or fluid from the blisters. This can happen while changing diapers or by touching an object that a child with blisters or sores touched. Often the virus spreads quickly in day cares, schools, and other public places.

It usually takes 3 to 6 days for a person to get symptoms of hand-foot-and-mouth disease after being exposed to the virus. This is called the incubation period.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms are usually mild. They often start with a mild fever, a poor appetite, and a sore throat. Then blisters or sores may form in the mouth. These are often painful and may make it hard to eat. A skin rash may appear on the hands and feet and sometimes on the buttocks. Some people don’t have any symptoms.

Symptoms usually go away in about 7 to 10 days. Antibiotics don't help, because this infection is caused by a virus, not bacteria.

Parents may get the disease from their children and not even realize it.

How is it diagnosed?

A doctor can tell if your child has hand-foot-and-mouth disease by the symptoms you describe and by looking at the sores and blisters. Tests usually aren't needed.

How is hand-foot-and-mouth disease treated?

Home care such as rest and fluids is usually the only care needed for hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Drink plenty of cool fluids to help with a sore throat and any mouth sores. And try to avoid acidic or spicy foods. Check with your doctor about pain and fever medicines.