Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease:
A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

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 sores with loss of tissue (ulcerations). Lesions develop a shallow, yellow-gray base and a red surrounding area. Lesions on arms and legs (extremities) begin as red, flat 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 associated with hand-foot-and-mouth disease may be painful.

In about a week, the rash will disappear and your child will feel better.