Question
A two-year-old eight-month-old child is in the third day of hand, foot, and mouth disease. The parents are confused about appropriate dietary choices. How should they arrange the child’s meals?
Answer
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common childhood illness caused by enteroviruses, characterized by blisters on the hands, feet, mouth, and buttocks. The child’s diet should provide high-calorie, high-protein, and easy-to-digest liquid or semi-liquid foods. It is advisable to avoid overly salty foods and opt for mild and slightly cool options to reduce irritation to oral ulcers and to avoid spicy foods. Parents should closely monitor their child’s condition and immediately take them to a regular hospital for treatment if symptoms are detected. It is recommended to adjust the diet appropriately, reducing the intake of spicy and irritating foods to facilitate the child’s recovery.