What is the likely diagnosis for patients presenting with a "strawberry tongue"?

What is the likely diagnosis for patients presenting with a "strawberry tongue"?

• A. Common cold
• B. Scarlet fever or Kawasaki disease
• C. Viral pharyngitis
• D. Oral thrush

Answer: (B)

A "strawberry tongue" is characterized by its red, swollen appearance with prominent papillae resembling the surface of a strawberry. This clinical finding is commonly associated with certain conditions, particularly scarlet fever and Kawasaki disease. In scarlet fever, which is caused by group A Streptococcus, the strawberry tongue often appears alongside a generalized rash and other symptoms such as fever and sore throat. The tongue's appearance results from inflammation and the underlying condition's effects on the oral mucosa. Kawasaki disease, which primarily affects children, is another condition that presents with a strawberry tongue. It is characterized by prolonged fever, rash, conjunctivitis, cervical lymphadenopathy, and mucosal changes, including the distinct appearance of the tongue. The other conditions listed do not typically present with this distinctive oral manifestation. This specificity makes the identification of strawberry tongue a valuable clinical sign in diagnosing either scarlet fever or Kawasaki disease.

A "strawberry tongue" is characterized by its red, swollen appearance with prominent papillae resembling the surface of a strawberry. This clinical finding is commonly associated with certain conditions, particularly scarlet fever and Kawasaki disease.

In scarlet fever, which is caused by group A Streptococcus, the strawberry tongue often appears alongside a generalized rash and other symptoms such as fever and sore throat. The tongue's appearance results from inflammation and the underlying condition's effects on the oral mucosa.

Kawasaki disease, which primarily affects children, is another condition that presents with a strawberry tongue. It is characterized by prolonged fever, rash, conjunctivitis, cervical lymphadenopathy, and mucosal changes, including the distinct appearance of the tongue.

The other conditions listed do not typically present with this distinctive oral manifestation. This specificity makes the identification of strawberry tongue a valuable clinical sign in diagnosing either scarlet fever or Kawasaki disease.