8/13/2019 Kawasaki Disease is an Illness That Involves the Skin

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Kawasaki disease is an illness that involves the skin, mouth, and lymph nodes, and most often

affects kids under age 5. The cause is unknown, but if the symptoms are recognized early,

kids with Kawasaki disease can fully recover within a few days. Untreated, it can lead to

serious complications that can affect the heart.

Kawasaki disease occurs in 1 out of every 1!!,!!! kids in the United "tates. #t is most

common among children of $apanese and Korean descent, but can affect all ethnic groups.

Signs and Symptoms

Kawasaki disease can%t be prevented, but usually has telltale symptoms and signs that appearin phases.

The first phase, which can last for up to & weeks, usually involves a persistent feverhigher

than 1!'( )ahrenheit *+( elsius- and lasts for at least 5 days.

ther symptoms that typically develop include/

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 purple0red color

swollen lymph nodes

uring the second phase, which usually begins within & weeks of when the fever started, the

skin on the hands and feet may begin to peel in large pieces. The child also may e2perience

3oint pain, diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. #f your child shows any of these symptoms,

call your doctor.

Complications

octors can manage the symptoms of Kawasaki disease if they catch it early. "ymptoms often

disappear within 3ust & days of the start of treatment. #f Kawasaki disease is treated within 1!

days of the onset of symptoms, heart problems usually do not develop.

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8/13/2019 Kawasaki Disease is an Illness That Involves the Skin

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ases that go untreated can lead to more serious complications, such as vasculitis, an

inflammation of the blood vessels. This can be particularly dangerous because it can affect the

coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart.

#n addition to the coronary arteries, the heart muscle, lining, valves, and the outer membrane

that surrounds the heart can become inflamed. Arrhythmias*changes in the normal pattern

of the heartbeat- or abnormal functioning of some heart valves also can occur.

Diagnosis

4o single test can detect Kawasaki disease, so doctors usually diagnose it by evaluating the

symptoms and ruling out other conditions.

ost kids diagnosed with Kawasaki disease will have a fever lasting 5 or more days and at

least four of these symptoms/

redness in both eyes

changes around the lips, tongue, or mouth

changes in the fingers and toes, such as swelling, discoloration, or peeling

a rash in the trunk or genital area

a large swollen lymph node in the neck

red, swollen palms of hands and soles of feet

#f Kawasaki disease is suspected, the doctor may order tests to monitor heart function *such

as an echocardiogram- and might take blood and urine samples to rule out other conditions,

such as scarlet fever, measles, 6ocky ountain spotted fever,3uvenile rheumatoid arthritis, or

an allergic drug reaction.

Treatment

Treatment should begin as soon as possible, ideally within 1! days of when the fever begins.

Usually, a child is treated with intravenous doses of gamma globulin*purified antibodies-, an

ingredient of blood that helps the body fight infection. The child also might be given a high

dose of aspirin to reduce the risk of heart problems.

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