Does Kawasaki disease cause a rash on the face?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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The pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease is unclear, and the main pathological change is systemic vasculitis. Typically, the rash is a polymorphic erythema or a scarlatiniform rash, primarily occurring on the trunk. Generally, facial rashes are rare, but it's not entirely impossible for rashes to appear on the face. Therefore, if a baby develops a rash on the face without other infections, Kawasaki disease might also present this symptom.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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How is Kawasaki disease treated?

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, can cause damage to the coronary arteries in untreated children, so it is crucial to treat the disease promptly once diagnosed. This disease generally occurs sporadically or in small outbreaks and can occur in any season, predominantly affecting infants and young children. The main treatment for Kawasaki disease is aspirin, which not only reduces fever but also helps reduce coronary artery lesions. Additionally, intravenous immunoglobulin is administered; however, the use of corticosteroids in Kawasaki disease is still somewhat controversial. Other treatments mainly include antiplatelet aggregation agents such as dipyridamole, and symptomatic supportive care for the child, including fluid supplementation, heart protection, control of heart failure, and correction of arrhythmias. For severe coronary artery lesions, coronary artery bypass surgery may be required. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Does Kawasaki disease rash itch?

Kawasaki disease, once called mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a disease of unknown cause and unclear pathogenesis. It is characterized by systemic vasculitis. Clinically, it mainly presents with fever, conjunctival congestion, cracked lips, congested oral mucosa, diffuse congestion, strawberry tongue, acute stage swelling and erythema of the hands and feet, polymorphous rash, and scarlet fever-like skin rash. It is often associated with unilateral or bilateral lymphadenopathy, which is not red on the surface, but the lymph nodes are hard and tender to the touch. It frequently involves complications such as myocarditis or pericarditis, with common coronary artery damage. The rash seen in Kawasaki disease is a manifestation of vasculitis and is generally non-itchy.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Does Kawasaki disease affect lifespan?

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, has an unclear pathogenesis. Its pathological changes primarily involve a systemic circulatory disease characterized by vasculitis. A severe complication can lead to cardiac lesions. Generally, Kawasaki disease is self-limiting and most cases have a good prognosis. However, if Kawasaki disease is not effectively treated and results in associated coronary artery aneurysms or large artery aneurysms, it could lead to acquired heart disease. Such cardiac issues could potentially affect cardiac function later on. This might impact lifespan, but if Kawasaki disease is treated aggressively and effectively, the prognosis is good and the impact on future health is minimal.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Is Kawasaki disease serious?

Kawasaki disease is an etiologically unclear disease with a not well-understood pathogenesis. The principal pathological change involves inflammatory changes in the systemic blood vessels, which can affect the coronary arteries and lead to coronary artery aneurysms and dilation. Kawasaki disease is self-limiting, and most cases resolve well, with recurrences seen in 1-2% of cases. For patients without coronary artery lesions, comprehensive examinations are required 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1-2 years after discharge, including physical examinations, electrocardiograms, and echocardiograms, mainly to assess the heart's condition. If not effectively treated, 15-20% may develop coronary artery aneurysms; such cases need semi-annual or annual medical check-ups. Coronary artery aneurysms often self-resolve within two years post-diagnosis, typically leaving functional abnormalities such as thickening of the vessel wall and reduced elasticity. Major artery aneurysms often do not disappear completely and can lead to thrombosis or narrowing of the vessel lumen. Kawasaki disease is one of the common causes of acquired heart disease in children; therefore, if Kawasaki disease is accompanied by severe coronary damage, it may heal well but could lead to heart disease. If it is not a severe case of Kawasaki disease, timely treatment can still result in a good recovery.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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What is Kawasaki disease? Is it contagious?

Kawasaki disease is a common pediatric febrile rash disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome. It is a systemic vasculitis syndrome mediated by immune mechanisms. Kawasaki disease may be caused by acute immune dysregulation due to infectious factors, and genetic factors may be related to the acute onset of the disease. Therefore, Kawasaki disease is not contagious, and contact with children with Kawasaki disease will not lead to transmission. Kawasaki disease generally occurs in infants and young children, and there is no clear seasonal pattern to its occurrence, nor significant gender differences.