Symptoms
The symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease can vary in severity, but the most common symptoms include:
- Sores in the mouth: The most common symptom of hand, foot, and mouth disease is the development of small, painful blisters or sores in the mouth, which may be accompanied by fever and sore throat. The sores may appear on the tongue, gums, or inside of the cheeks.
- Rash on the hands and feet: A rash may also develop on the hands and feet, which may be accompanied by fever and aching muscles. The rash may appear as small, red bumps that eventually blister and crust over.
- Other symptoms: Other common symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease include fatigue, loss of appetite, and irritability. Children may also experience a loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty sleeping.
Causes
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses. The most common cause of the disease is the coxsackievirus, which is highly contagious and is spread through close contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva, mucus, and feces, from an infected person. The virus can also be spread by touching objects or surfaces contaminated with respiratory secretions, such as doorknobs or toys.
Children are more prone to hand, foot, and mouth disease because their immune systems are still developing and they are more likely to be exposed to the virus through close contact with other children in schools and daycare centers. Children who attend daycare or who have siblings are also more prone to hand, foot, and mouth disease, as they are more likely to be exposed to the virus and other respiratory infections.