What supportive care measures should be recommended for a child with HFMD experiencing oral pain and difficulty eating?

Supportive care measures for a child with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) experiencing oral pain and difficulty eating include:

• Ensure adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration, as young children are particularly prone to this complication.
• Advise a soft diet to reduce oral discomfort, avoiding foods that are hot, spicy, salty, or acidic as these may exacerbate oral pain.
• Consider the use of paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever and relieve pain, following appropriate dosing guidelines for children.
• Encourage good hygiene practices to reduce transmission risk, such as thorough handwashing and avoiding sharing utensils.
• Monitor for signs of dehydration or worsening symptoms, and seek medical advice if oral ulcers persist beyond 3 weeks or if the child becomes more unwell.

Antibiotics and antiviral medications are not recommended unless there is suspicion of secondary infection.