Hands, Foot and Mouth Disease?

Is it possible to confuse Hands, Foot and Mouth disease with Kawasaki Syndrome?

As a layperson with very little medical knowledge – it may be possible to mistake Kawasaki Syndrome for Hands, Foot and Mouth Disease.  Almost immediately one might presume that the redness of the hands, feet and mouth (seen with Kawasaki Syndrome) are caused by the well-known  communicable disease called Hands, Foot and Mouth Disease.

 

However, a closer look at the differences between the two diseases show a significant differentiation of symptoms.  The two pictures here show the classic presentation of Hands, Foot and Mouth Disease.  The redness is primarily due to the formation of lesions or sores.

As seen here, Kawasaki’s disease presents in a much different fashion than Hands, Foot and Mouth disease.  The lips and tongue are strawberry red.  This redness is a result of swelling and edema rather than a response to multiple lesions found in and around the mouth.

 

Similarly, with Kawasaki Syndrome, the hands and feet appear red due to severe edema and swelling.  There are no lesions present (as in Hands, Foot and Mouth Disease).  The hands and feet can also be warm/hot to touch.  The skin may begin peeling after a couple of weeks.  Sometimes the skin peels off in sheets.

 

Kawasaki Disease and the Mumps – A Quick differentiation

Both Kawasaki Syndrome and the Mumps may present with unilateral neck swelling.  How can we differentiate between the two?

Kawasaki Syndrome                                              The Mumps

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inflammation of the lymph nodes                              Inflammation of the parotid gland(s)

Fever                                                                                 Fever

Rash                                                                                  Rash

Edema, redness of hands and feet                              No redness or swelling of hands and feet

Conjunctival redness                                                     Eyes not affected

Oral mucosa inflamed                                                   Oral mucosa not affected

No testicular pain or inflammation                            Testicular pain and inflammation

Unilateral neck swelling                                                Unilateral or bilateral neck swelling

General malaise and anorexia                                      General malaise and anorexia

Celebrity kids with Kawasaki Syndrome

Sharing the Hype!

It is great to see that celebrities have come out of the wood work to share their children’s stories!  Kawasaki’s disease is not talked about enough and it needs more exposure!  The recent death of John Travolta’s son has brought up questions about the complications of Kawasaki Syndrome later in life.  There have been questions raised about the possibility that Jett Travolta may have died from complications related to Kawasaki Syndrome.  Let’s hope this new hype will continue to raise awareness about the disease – so that Jett Travolta’s death will not be in vain.

Brian Litrell (one of the Backstreet Boys) is also doing his part to raise awareness about Kawasaki’s disease.  He was recently interviewed on the his show “The Doctors”.  You can view a quick clip of the show here.