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Hand foot and mouth disease
Hand foot and mouth disease is a common mild and short-lasting condition most often affecting young children during the summer months.
It is a viral infection due to Coxsackie virus A16, although it can also be due to Enterovirus 71. It is very infectious, so several members of the family or a school class may be affected.
After an incubation period of 3 to 5 days, the infection results in flat small blisters on the hands and feet, and oral ulcers. These are sometimes painful, so the child eats little and frets. There may be a mild fever. Sometimes in young children there is a rash on the buttocks.
After a few days the blisters and mouth ulcers settle leaving no scars. Second infections are rare.
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How is it treated?
Specific treatment is not necessary. Antiseptic mouth washes and simple analgesics such as paracetamol relieve the discomfort of eating.
Related information
Other websites:
- Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease – emedicine dermatology, the online textbook