Strawberry tongue is a classic finding in which condition?

• A. Scarlet fever
• B. Kawasaki disease
• C. Angina
• D. Dermatitis

Answer: (B)

Kawasaki disease causes inflammation of medium-sized blood vessels and brings multiple mucocutaneous signs. One hallmark is the tongue becoming red and swollen with prominent papillae, described as strawberry tongue. This appearance reflects oral mucosal inflammation that accompanies the other classic findings—fever lasting several days plus conjunctival injection, lip and oral changes, a rash, swelling of the hands and feet, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Recognizing strawberry tongue in this context is a strong clue pointing toward Kawasaki disease, because timely diagnosis is crucial to prevent coronary artery complications, and treatment with IVIG and aspirin is most effective when started early. While strawberry tongue can appear in other conditions like scarlet fever, the full pattern of mucocutaneous involvement and persistent fever in Kawasaki disease makes it the classic association here. Angina and dermatitis do not produce this characteristic oral mucosal finding.