What Are the Common Symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

Question

What is hand, foot, and mouth disease, and what are the symptoms? What should you do if your child develops a rash on their hands that resembles hand, foot, and mouth disease?

Answer

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is an infectious disease caused by enteroviruses, usually spread through contact. Affected children often have a fever and develop rashes on their hands, feet, mouth, and buttocks. If your child shows these symptoms, carefully observe them and consider administering oral medication for treatment. Pay attention to hand hygiene to prevent the spread of the disease. Parents should take their child to a doctor immediately, avoid using unproven medications, and provide appropriate care and attention to aid in timely treatment of the illness.