Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease Directory
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is an infectious disease that, in most cases, is caused by the coxsackie virus. The disease most often occurs in children under 10 and is characterized by a rash of small blister-like sores on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and in the mouth. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, and headache. The disease is spread from person to person through saliva, fluid from blisters, or the stools of an infected person. Outbreaks occur most often in the summer and early fall. There is no treatment other than a pain reliever like acetaminophen. Saltwater mouth rinses may sooth sores in the mouth. The infection usually passes in a week. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how hand-foot-and-mouth disease is contracted, what it looks like, how to treat it, and much more.
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease, or HFMD, is caused by a virus. Symptoms include ulcers, or sores, inside or around the mouth and a rash or blisters on the hands, feet, legs, or buttocks.
WebMD explains coxsackievirus, a member of a family of viruses called enteroviruses.
Skin Rashes in Children Treatment
WebMD explains various skin rashes that affect children and how they are treated.
Slideshows & Images
Picture of Hand Foot Mouth Disease on Foot
Hand-foot-mouth disease. This common and benign viral disease of childhood is usually caused by the A16 strain of coxsackievirus, although other strains of the same virus have been implicated. It most often occurs in late summer and early fall. The prodrome consists of low-grade fever and malaise. Shortly thereafter, vesicular lesions arise on the soft palate, tongue, buccal mucosa, and uvula. The lips are usually spared. Occasionally, these lesions may be painful and cause some difficulty in eating. The cutaneous lesions develop 1 or 2 days after those in the mouth. They consist of asymptomatic round or oval vesiculopustules that evolve into superficial erosions. The edges of the palms and soles are a favored location.
Picture of Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease on Hand
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Multiple, discrete, small, vesicular lesions on the fingers and palms; similar lesions were also present on the feet. Some vesicles are typically linear.
Picture of Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Mouth
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Multiple, superficial erosions and small, vesicular lesions surrounded by an erythematous halo on the lower labial mucosa; the gingiva is normal. In primary herpetic gingivostomatitis, which presents with similar oral vesicular lesions, a painful gingivitis usually occurs as well.
Slideshow: Images of Childhood Skin Problems
Hives, ringworm, warts: just a few skin conditions often seen in babies and children. How can you recognize these common childhood conditions -- and is home treatment possible?