This image displays small, fluid-filled blisters on the foot typical of hand-foot-and-mouth disease. This image displays small blisters on the palm and fingers typical of hand-foot-and-mouth disease. This image shows blisters on the top of the foot and toes typical of hand-foot-and-mouth disease. This image displays blisters and erosions on the inner cheek typical of hand-foot-and-mouth disease. There are often few, small blisters in people with hand-foot-and-mouth disease. There are two small blisters on the hard palate, typical of hand-foot-and-mouth disease, as well as several red spots, which may become blisters or were left after blisters broke.
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Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease  A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

Picture of Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease: This image displays small, fluid-filled blisters on the foot typical of hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Divider line
This image displays small, fluid-filled blisters on the foot typical of hand-foot-and-mouth disease.
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Overview
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a suddenly appearing (acute), self-limited viral disease caused by viruses of the enterovirus group, particularly Coxsackievirus A16. The development (incubation) period from infection to symptoms is short, from 3–6 days. The disease is highly contagious and often spreads from child to child and then from child to adult. Spread of the disease occurs by means of direct contact with nasal and/or oral secretions and stool contact. Widespread (epidemic) outbreaks usually occur from June to October.

Complications from hand-foot-and-mouth disease rarely occur, but they may include pneumonia, inflammation of the heart or brain, or miscarriage in pregnant women who become infected.

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is not related to foot-and-mouth disease seen in animals.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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