Signs and Symptoms of Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease

A few days after exposure, a low-grade fever, anorexia, malaise, and mouth soreness occurs. The fever, usually about 101°F, lasts a few days. Within a day or two, sores erupt in the mouth. They begin as tiny blisters on a red base that open up and resolve in a few days. Within a couple of days, small, clear to white blisters develop on the palms and soles. Similar lesions may develop on the rest of the skin. The characteristic oval blisters resolve within 1 week.

Publication Review By: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.

Published: 01 Sep 2000

Last Modified: 02 Jun 2011