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Hand, foot and mouth disease is a mild, short-lived viral illness that typically affects children under six years of age, characterised by blisters or sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. Hand, foot and mouth disease has no long-term consequences but it is highly contagious and your child might feel generally unwell for a short time.
Dr Roger Henderson looks at hand, foot and mouth disease causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention tips:
What is hand, foot and mouth disease?
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common, mild and short-lasting viral illness usually affecting children, which is caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses. The most common one causing it is called Coxsackie virus A16 (CVA16) but other viruses that can cause it include enterovirus 71 (sometimes linked to severe infections of the nervous system), echovirus and other multiple different strains of Coxsackie virus.