Contagious Rashes - Kawasaki Disease
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Kawasaki is characterised by an inflammation of the blood vessels throughout the body. It can result in complications if the heart vessels are involved.
It is still not known what causes Kawasaki disease, but it is thought that a virus or bacteria may be the culprit. Kawasaki disease was only first reported in 1967 by Dr Kawasaki and occurs more frequently in children of Asian, Pacific and Afro-Caribbean descent, but can affect children of all nationalities.
Undiagnosed and untreated Kawasaki disease can cause heart attack, heart failure and coronary artery thrombosis. Treatment normally provides quick improvement and greatly lowers the risk of heart disease or other complications. Kawasaki disease does have a small chance (1-2%) of recurrence even if it is treated.
Kawasaki disease has an incubation period of: not known
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- Fever - a fever which can last more than 5 days
- Rash - may be especially bad in the groin area
- Red tongue and lips - swollen, red and cracked lips and “strawberry” tongue, which appears with shiny bright red spots after the top coating peels off
- Swollen hands and feet - together with redness
- Swollen lymph nodes - especially in the neck
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- See a doctor - any child with suspected Kawasaki disease needs to see a doctor who can perform an examination to diagnose this condition. This will also help to prevent any serious complications involving the heart
- Hospitalisation - any child with this condition will need to be admitted to hospital to be treated and monitored carefully
- Immunoglobulin - high doses will be given intravenously (through a drip into a vein) to lower the risk of heart disease complications
- Aspirin - high dose of aspirin may be given to reduce risk of thrombosis
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