Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease - Symptoms

If you have hand, foot and mouth disease, you are likely to:

• have a fever
• have a sore throat
• have blisters or ulcers in your mouth - often on the inside of your cheek, your gums or on your tongue
• develop spots or blisters with red edges on the back or palms of your hands and soles of your feet
• develop spots or blisters on your buttocks
• lose your appetite
• generally feel unwell

Your symptoms will usually begin within one week and may last up to 10 days. If your symptoms are mild, you may not need to see your doctor.

You may, however, have hand, foot and mouth disease but not realise you have it because you have only very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.

Complications of hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is usually a mild infection. Rarely, it may lead to more serious problems such as:

• inflammation of your brain (viral meningitis) - symptoms include headache, neck stiffness and vomiting
• swelling of your brain (encephalitis) - you may develop a number of different symptoms, but the most common ones include muscle weakness, seizures (fits) and memory loss
• paralysis (being unable to move your muscles)

If you have hand, foot and mouth disease and develop unexpected or severe symptoms, seek urgent medical attention.

Causes of hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is usually caused by a type of virus known as coxsackie virus A16. It can also be caused by the viruses coxsackie B and enterovirus 71.

The viruses are most commonly spread in droplets of mucus or saliva. You can breathe in infected droplets if someone with hand, foot and mouth disease coughs or sneezes near to you. The viruses can also be spread in faeces. For example, you may catch it if your child has hand, foot and mouth disease and you touch your mouth after handling his or her dirty nappy. The virus can be found in faeces for up to four weeks after the symptoms have gone, so it's important to wash your hands (with soap and water) after you go to the toilet, or if you come into contact with someone who has or has recently had hand, foot and mouth disease.

If you have hand, foot and mouth disease and have developed blisters, you should try not to share towels and face cloths with other people. Wash soiled clothing, towels and bedding on a hot temperature (50°C or above).

Notes: FCbinderMD

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EditText of this page (last edited August 31, 2010)