What is a common symptom of hand, foot, and mouth disease?

Painful sores in the mouth are a hallmark symptom of hand, foot, and mouth disease, which is a viral illness typically caused by coxsackievirus. These sores can lead to discomfort and difficulty swallowing, making it one of the most distinguishing features of this condition.

The presence of oral lesions, often accompanied by a rash on the hands and feet, helps differentiate hand, foot, and mouth disease from other viral exanthems. This symptom, alongside a rash, is crucial for diagnosis and management of the illness. While other symptoms, such as fever and general malaise, can occur, the painful sores in the mouth are particularly characteristic and serve as a key indicator of this infection.