Your doctor will likely be able to distinguish hand-foot-and-mouth disease from other types of viral infections by evaluating:
The age of the affected person
The pattern of signs and symptoms
The appearance of the rash or sores
Your doctor may take a throat swab or stool specimen and send it to the laboratory to determine which virus caused the illness.
A doctor can often diagnose hand, foot, and mouth disease simply by performing a physical exam. They’ll check the mouth and body for the appearance of blisters and rashes. The doctor will also ask you or your child about other symptoms.
The doctor may take a throat swab or stool sample that can be tested for the virus. This will allow them to confirm the diagnosis.