Patient's question:
Last night while bathing the child, I noticed small red spots on their hands, feet, buttocks, and mouth, as well as a few small blisters. However, they didn't have a fever. The hospital diagnosed it as hand, foot, and mouth disease.Regarding the child's treatment history and effectiveness, what dietary precautions should be taken? What foods should be avoided? Can watermelon be eaten? Can eggs be eaten?
Doctor's answer:
Based on your description, the diagnosis of hand, foot, and mouth disease is confirmed. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious illness caused by enteroviruses, which primarily affects children under the age of 5. It can cause blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth, and in some cases, it may lead to complications such as myocarditis, pulmonary edema, or aseptic meningitis and encephalitis.Dietary care for children with hand, foot, and mouth disease is important. If the child contracts the disease in summer, dehydration and electrolyte imbalances may occur, so it is necessary to provide appropriate hydration and nutrition. The child should rest in bed for about a week and drink plenty of warm water. Due to fever and oral blisters, the child may have poor appetite and be reluctant to eat. It is recommended to feed the child with light, warm, palatable, easily digestible, and soft liquid or semi-liquid foods. Avoid cold, spicy, salty, or other irritating foods. Watermelon can be eaten, and eggs should be steamed before consumption.