Kawasaki disease

Updated: 2023-11-08

Description

A condition that causes swelling in the walls of some blood vessels in the body.

Overview

Kawasaki disease causes swelling in the walls of some blood vessels, most often heart vessels. It also affects lymph nodes, skin and mucous membranes, such as inside the mouth. It's most common in infants and young children.

Symptoms

Symptoms include high fever, rash, red eyes, red, cracked lips and a red tongue, an enlarged lymph node in the neck, and swollen, red skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Treatments

Treatment often takes place in a hospital as soon as possible while there's still a fever. Early treatment helps prevent damage to the heart vessels.