General information, not a diagnosis Method and limitations

Fact sheetVirus

Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common viral infection in young children. Oral lesions can make the drink painful and promote dehydration.

Documentary Enrichment: · General information

Essentials

Common viral infection in young children, with oral lesions and rash of the hands or feet.

Agent
Enterovirus, including coxsackievirus
Transmission or exposure
Close contact · Respiratory tract · Water and food

Situation and vulnerability

It is easily spread in crèches or schools. Adults may also be infected; post-exposure pregnancy deserves appropriate advice.

Signs and limits of their interpretation

Fever, painful ulcerations of the mouth and rash of hands or feet are possible. Most forms are light.

Diagnosis and monitoring

The professional evaluates the lesions and general condition; a photograph is not enough to distinguish all the causes of eruption. A drinking problem is a priority information.

Official sources consulted on . Documentary summary, without medical rereading.

Check these markers in the CDC reference →

Prevention and care

Wash hands, especially after changing, clean shared objects and avoid close contacts. Watch for drinks and urine if the oral lesions cause discomfort to the child.

Practical issues

Is the main concern still the extent of the eruption?

A limited rash may be accompanied by very painful oral lesions. The ability to drink and hydration count as much as the appearance of the skin.

Preparing for an exchange with a professional

  • Fever onset and injury
  • Amount and frequency of urine
  • Community or entourage cases

Bring the full minutes and dates. This information facilitates evaluation; its collection must not delay an urgent appeal.

Individual decisionThe choice of a test, treatment or prevention depends on the local situation and recommendations. In case of distress, call 911.
Closed environmental sampling equipment in a tidy laboratory. AI-generated illustration.
Prevention illustration — Syndrome pieds-mains-bouche — Closed environmental sampling equipment in a tidy laboratory.
Image generated by artificial intelligence. AI illustration; it does not depict a disease, biological agent or diagnosis.

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Related fact sheets

These sheets share ways or contexts of exhibition in our catalogue. This reconciliation does not establish a differential diagnosis.

Compare Hand, foot and mouth disease with associated plugs →

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Further reading

These publications help you verify the concepts discussed. Disease records and directory entries each identify their sources.

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