Does Kawasaki disease rash itch?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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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
1min 7sec home-news-image

Does Kawasaki disease cause a runny nose?

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, primarily presents with repeated high fevers that do not respond to antibiotics, conjunctival congestion, diffuse oral congestion, chapped and congested lips, polymorphic erythema and scarlatiniform rashes on the skin, and unilateral or bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. The cause of Kawasaki disease remains unclear, but studies suggest that respiratory or gastrointestinal infections may be common prodromal symptoms, indicating that the onset might be related to infections, though no contagious phenomena have been identified to date. Kawasaki disease might show prodromal signs such as upper respiratory infections, characterized by symptoms like a runny nose and cough, or gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, which suggests that a runny nose might be a manifestation of Kawasaki disease.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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How long does it take to cure Kawasaki disease?

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, has unclear etiology and pathogenesis. The primary pathological change is systemic vasculitis, frequently affecting the coronary arteries. Kawasaki disease is considered a self-limiting condition, with most cases having a good prognosis; recurrence occurs in 1% to 2% of affected children. If associated with coronary artery damage and not effectively treated, 15% to 25% of these cases can develop coronary artery aneurysms. Typically, coronary artery aneurysms resolve within two years of onset, but often leave residual arterial wall thickening and reduced elasticity. Large aneurysms do not disappear completely and can lead to thrombosis or stenosis. Kawasaki disease is also one of the main causes of acquired heart disease in children. Therefore, active and effective treatment of Kawasaki disease can result in recovery. However, if there is accompanying coronary artery damage, the prognosis can vary depending on the extent of the damage. Severe coronary artery damage might lead to long-term heart disease.

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Written by Shi Ji Peng
Pediatrics
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Kawasaki Disease Aspirin Side Effects

Aspirin is necessary for Kawasaki disease. Considering the pros and cons, aspirin must be used in cases of Kawasaki disease, initially in high doses. However, aspirin indeed has side effects. Some say aspirin is contraindicated for children, as its consumption can lead to Reye's Syndrome. This syndrome involves widespread mitochondrial damage following the intake of salicylate drugs during viral infection recovery, posing risks to the liver and brain. Without timely treatment, it could likely lead to liver and kidney failure, brain damage, or even death. Thus, aside from specific diseases, the use of aspirin is strictly prohibited. These specific diseases include Kawasaki disease, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Therefore, the use of aspirin in Kawasaki disease is necessary, but it can indeed lead to some side effects.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Can Kawasaki disease be cured?

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, has an unclear pathogenesis. The primary pathological change is systemic vasculitis. It commonly affects infants and young children, with 80% of cases occurring in children under five years of age. Kawasaki disease is a self-limiting condition, and most cases have a good prognosis. However, there is a 1% to 2% chance of recurrence. If not effectively treated, 15% to 25% of cases may develop coronary artery aneurysms. These aneurysms often resolve on their own within two years after the disease, but often leave behind abnormalities such as thickening of the vessel wall and decreased elasticity. Larger aneurysms may not completely resolve and can lead to thrombosis or narrowing of the vessel. Kawasaki disease is also one of the causes of acquired heart disease in children. Therefore, Kawasaki disease should be treated promptly and effectively to prevent severe complications.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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How many days does it take to be discharged from the hospital for Kawasaki disease?

Kawasaki disease is a disease with unclear pathogenesis and etiology. A major pathological change is systemic vasculitis, which commonly affects the coronary arteries. Typically, it presents with fever lasting from seven to fourteen days or longer, and antibiotics are ineffective in treatment. During the first through sixth weeks of the illness, complications such as pericarditis, myocarditis, endocarditis, and arrhythmias may occur. Coronary artery damage often occurs between the second and fourth weeks of the illness, and proactive and effective treatment of Kawasaki disease can prevent coronary complications. The acute phase generally involves symptomatic supportive care, prevention of platelet aggregation, fever reduction, and prevention of coronary artery damage. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin is recommended within the first ten days of onset. If the treatment is not effective, other special medications like steroids may be used, and the treatment duration is generally between two to four weeks. Thus, the pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease is uncertain, and its pathological process is prolonged. The specific timing of discharge depends on the child's condition. If the fever is controlled and no significant coronary artery damage is evident, and the condition is stable, then discharge is possible. However, post-discharge, follow-up should be conducted based on the child's specific condition. Therefore, the duration of hospitalization for Kawasaki disease is not fixed and depends on the child's condition and treatment response.