The rash takes a couple of days to appear and consists of small, flat or raised red spots, some with blisters. Similar spots in the mouth, usually on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks, may progress into mouth ulcers. The child is also usually feverish, has a sore throat, and feels generally unwell. Usually a very mild disease Hand, foot and mouth disease is rarely a serious infection. Most people need no specific medical treatment, and are better within a week or so.
Complications are rare, but occasionally, can lead to mild viral meningitis.
You can take simple remedies for unpleasant symptoms, such as pain relief for the ulcers and blisters, or to lower fever. Children should be given paracetamol syrup, or ibuprofen syrup. Aspirin is no longer recommended for children under 12, because of a possible link with a serious problem called Reye's syndrome. Children are sometimes excluded from nursery or school during the first few days of the illness, to try to stop the spread of infection. However, this can be difficult, as the viruses that cause it are rife in the community.