This image displays grouped blisters on the palm and fingers typical of a herpes virus infection. This image displays small blisters on the thumb of an infant with 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 small blisters typical of hand-foot-and-mouth disease. There are usually just a few blisters in the mouth in hand-foot-and-mouth disease. This image displays smooth-appearing blisters on the feet typical of hand-foot-and-mouth disease.
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Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease  A parent's guide for infants and babies

Picture of Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease: This image displays grouped blisters on the palm and fingers typical of a herpes virus infection. Divider line
This image displays grouped blisters on the palm and fingers typical of a herpes virus infection.
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Signs and Symptoms
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease begins with fever up to 101 degrees Fahrenheit, sore throat, sore mouth, cough, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, and occasionally joint pain. After 1–2 days, a rash appears.

Small red areas of the lining of the mouth, tongue, gums, or throat develop into blisters and rapidly form open sores (ulcerations). Lesions develop a shallow, yellow-gray base and a red surrounding area. Lesions on arms and legs (extremities) begin as flat red spots that produce oval or football-shaped blisters, surrounded with red coloration. Hand and foot lesions are common on the sides and backs of the fingers and toes. Palms and soles may also be affected.

The skin lesions may be painful.

In about a week the rash will disappear and your child will feel better.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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