Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common and highly contagious viral infection that most often occurs in children.

HFMD is caused by members of a group of viruses known as enteroviruses, which enter the body – usually by the mouth – and reproduce in the digestive tract. Children and people with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to the disease because their immune systems have not fully developed or are weak. When the immune system is not successful in attacking the virus, it survives and spreads into the bloodstream, resulting in HFMD.

HFMD usually produces painful sores on the throat, mouth and tongue. Skin lesions may also appear on the hands, feet and sometimes the buttocks. These lesions are also painful and very contagious. Touching an HFMD sore and then touching the mouth can spread the infection. It may also spread from utensils and toys that came into contact with a sore.

However, HFMD is seldom serious and rarely requires medical treatment. The sores usually clear up within 10 days. In rare circumstances, HFMD can lead to complications in other parts of the body, including the lungs, heart and brain.