Hand, foot and mouth disease

Overview

Hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by coxsackieviruses and is highly contagious. It is characterised by fever, painful blisters in the mouth and a red rash on the hands and soles of the feet. The infection goes away on its own after around one week.

Symptoms

Main symptoms

• Painful blisters on the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks
• Red rash with blisters on the hands and soles of the feet

Other symptoms

• Fever, general feeling of being unwell
• Pain in the throat and back of the mouth
• Coughing

The symptoms go away on their own after approx. one week.

Causes and treatment

Causes

• Coxsackie A virus
• Passed on through coughing, sneezing (droplet infection) or direct contact

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• Typical appearance, usually no special tests are needed (“visual diagnosis”)

Possible therapies

• Usually no therapy is needed as the disease heals on its own
• Medication against itching or fever

What can I do myself?

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Wash hands regularly and avoid close physical contact (to reduce risk of transmission)
• Don't send children to nursery, kindergarten or school as this infection is highly contagious

When to see a doctor?

• Continued fever
• Shortness of breath
• Cough with yellow or blood-streaked sputum
• Disorientation, apathy
• Stiff neck (can’t touch chin to chest)
• No improvement after a week

Synonyms

Hand, foot and mouth disease, foot, mouth, disease