Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a mild, contagious viral infection that is common in young children, but anyone can get it. The symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease usually develop between 3 and 5 days after being exposed to the infection. The symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Feeling sick
• Painful, blister-like lesions on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks
• A rash on the palms, soles, and sometimes on the buttocks, legs, and arms
• Mouth sores that can make eating, drinking, and swallowing difficult
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

The rash caused by hand, foot, and mouth disease is not usually itchy but can be uncomfortable and typically lasts up to 10 days. The illness is usually not serious, but it is very contagious and can spread quickly at schools and day care centers. There is no specific treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease, but symptoms can be treated at home. It is important to keep kids home from school and childcare while they have the illness to prevent the spread of the disease. If you or your child has hand, foot, and mouth disease, it is best to stay at home until you are feeling better.