What Is Hand Foot and Mouth Disease?

This viral illness commonly affects young children and causes sores in the mouth and rashes on the hands and feet.

It spreads easily in schools and daycare centers.

Symptoms

Typical symptoms include:

• fever
• mouth sores
• rash on hands and feet
• loss of appetite

Treatment

There is no specific cure, but symptoms can be managed through:

• rest
• fluids
• pain relief medication

Prevention

Parents should encourage:

• frequent hand washing
• cleaning toys
• avoiding close contact during illness

Conclusion

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is common but usually mild. With proper care, children recover within about a week.