Hand, foot and mouth disease

Information on hand, foot and mouth disease.

• Hand, foot and mouth disease is an infection caused by a virus.
• The virus causes a rash with spots or blisters on the hands, feet and buttocks, along with mouth ulcers.
• Mouth ulcers can make it painful for your child to eat and drink.
• In most cases, the infection lasts around a week.
• If your child has hand, foot and mouth disease, you can care for them at home by ensuring they drink lots of fluids and giving them regular pain-relief medicine.
• The virus spreads easily from one person to another, so good hygiene measures, like regular hand washing, are important for you and your child.