What should you know about hand foot and mouth body rash?

Look at when the rash began, whether there is fever or mouth soreness, and whether spots are flat, raised, blistered, itchy or painful. Hand, foot and mouth illness often involves the hands, feet or mouth, but the body can also be involved. A body rash alone does not establish the cause. [Heat Rash](/conditions/heat-rash/), [Contact Dermatitis](/conditions/contact-dermatitis/) and [Drug Rash](/conditions/drug-eruption/) are among other possibilities.

Keep the skin cool, clean and dry. Use loose clothing, avoid new fragranced products, and discourage scratching. Do not pop blisters or apply strong creams without advice. Note recent medicines, foods, products, fever and contact with anyone who was unwell; these details help a clinician assess the rash. Separate towels and wash hands regularly if an infectious illness is possible.

Get urgent help for a rash with breathing trouble, facial swelling, faintness, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, or rapidly spreading purple or bruised-looking spots. Arrange assessment if the rash is painful, warm, draining, peeling, associated with persistent fever, or affecting drinking. Babies and people with weakened immunity should be assessed promptly when a new widespread rash appears.

Ask which features point toward hand, foot and mouth illness, whether medicines or products could be responsible, and how to protect household contacts.