What is this infection?

GP Rob Hicks replies: Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection that most often affects young  children. It causes tiny blisters on the hands and feet as well as sores in the mouth. Some children will also develop a mild fever, too.
There's no specific treatment for HFMD but giving children's paracetamol will ease the discomfort. Usually the infection is mild and shouldn't last more than a week. In the meantime, wash your hands frequently, especially after nappy changes, as the infection is spread by contact with the stools of an infected child and nose and throat discharges.

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