Hand, foot and mouth disease is highly contagious — this is how to protect yourself

A leading doctor says there’s been a spike of hand, foot and mouth disease infections in Perth.

The disease is quite contagious, so what are the symptoms, how does it spread and should you be worried?

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease vary from person to person.

Some people may experience small, white blisters on their palms, the soles of their feet and in their mouth, with a bit of inflammation around the blisters.

This may lead to a sore mouth and throat, dehydration and a poor appetite.

Alternatively, a red skin rash with a brown scale on it could appear on a person’s arms, hands, legs, feet and around the mouth.

The trunk area usually remains clear, according to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.