Patients with hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) may experience a fever followed by a sore throat and sometimes a decrease in appetite along with malaise (a general ill feeling). The following may also occur:

• One or two days after the onset of fever, painful red sores may develop in the throat, on the gums, on the inside of the cheeks and on the tongue.
  
  
• A rash may appear with small blisters on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, and may spread to the buttocks. The rash does not itch. However, the blisters are tender or painful when pressured is applied. The sores and rash typically heal spontaneously within 10 days.
  
  
• Other symptoms may include headache and irritability (in young children).

Generally, symptoms of HFMD are more severe in children than adults, although in most cases the disease has a mild course and patients rarely experience severe complications (e.g., pneumonia, encephalitis).

Patients are advised to seek medical attention if they experience the following symptoms:

• Pain in the neck, arms or legs
• High fever not reduced by over-the-counter medication
• Signs of dehydration, including:
  
• • Weight loss
  • Decreased or dark-colored urine
  • Dry skin and mucous membranes
  • Lethargy