Hand foot and mouth disease is a common mild and short-lasting condition most often affecting young children.

It is a viral infection due to Coxsackie virus, although it can also be due to Enterovirus. It is very infectious, so several members of the family or a school class may be affected.

Blisters on hand
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After an incubation period of 3 to 5 days, the infection results in flat small blisters on the hands and feet, and oral ulcers. These are sometimes painful, so the child eats little and frets. There may be a mild fever. Sometimes in young children there is a rash on the buttocks.

After a few days the blisters and mouth ulcers settle leaving no scars. Secondary infections are rare.

Blisters on foot
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Hand, foot & mouth disease is endemic in Malaysia, which means cases are seen throughout the year. In most cases, specific treatment is not necessary. Antiseptic mouth washes and simple analgesics such as paracetamol relieve the discomfort of eating.

However, there have been a frightening increase of fatal outbreaks in this region since the first reported fatal epidemic in Sarawak in 1997. The present outbreak is in Singapore.

Parents who suspect their children have symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease should seek medical advice promptly.

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