Hand - foot - mouth disease

Alternative names:

Coxsackievirus infection

Definition:

A viral infection that usually begins in the throat. It is caused by the Coxsackievirus.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The throat, tonsils, hands, feet, and diaper area are affected by a rash with blisters caused by infection with the Coxsackievirus. The infection affects young children from 2 weeks to 3 years old most commonly. The outbreaks occur most often in the spring and fall. This is usually a mild illness with the rash healing in 5 to 7 days.