The North PacificBoard

A common children's virus that causes sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet.
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is usually a mild illness young children get. A virus known as coxsackievirus is the main cause. The infection spreads by person-to-person contact and is common in child care settings. Washing hands often and well and staying away from others who have it can help prevent the disease.

Symptoms usually appear 3 to 6 days after being in contact with the virus. The disease causes blister-like sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. Other symptoms might include fever, sore throat and loss of appetite.

There's no treatment for hand-foot-and-mouth disease. The virus usually clears up within 7 to10 days. Pain medicines bought without a prescription other than aspirin can help relieve symptoms.