Kawasaki
Infectious Disease
What is Kawasaki Disease? Signs & Symptoms? Diagnosis? Treatment?
An illness that involves the skin, mouth, and lymph nodes, and most often affects kids under age 5.
Signs & Symptoms
The first phase, which can last for up to 2 weeks, usually involves a persistent fever higher than 104°F (39°C) and lasts for at least 5 days.
- severe redness in the eyes
- a rash on the stomach, chest, and genitals
- red, dry, cracked lips
- swollen tongue with a white coating and big red bumps
- sore, irritated throat
- swollen palms of the hands and soles of the feet with a purple-red color
- swollen lymph nodes
The second phase, which usually begins within 2 weeks of when the fever started, the skin on the hands and feet may begin to peel in large pieces. The child also may experience joint pain, diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
Diagnosis
Doctors can not detect Kawasaki Disease through running test. They usually have to wait until symptoms rise.
Treatment
Children are given doses of Gamma Globulin (purified antibodies), an ingredient of blood that helps the body fight infection. They can also be given a high dose of aspirin to reduce the risk of heart problems.
What does Kawasaki look like?
The reddish implements of the skin and eyes
The body rash
Peeling of the skin