Is your child's tongue red like a strawberry? (Strawberry Tongue) - Let's be aware of this!

It would be a bit scary if you looked in the mirror one day and saw that your tongue, or your little one's tongue, was much redder than usual, with small blisters that looked like the seeds on the surface of a strawberry. In medicine, this is what we call 'Strawberry Tongue'. Some people also call it 'Raspberry Tongue' because of its appearance. Although this name may remind you of a delicious fruit, this condition is not a very good thing. But don't worry. Today, we will talk about what to do if you see this and what could be causing it.

What is 'Strawberry Tongue'?

Simply put, a healthy tongue is usually pink, and has very fine little bumps (papillae) on its surface. But in the case of 'strawberry tongue', the tongue turns bright red, and those fine bumps become swollen and large, looking like the seeds of a strawberry.

Therefore, if you or your child has any of these symptoms, it is imperative to see a doctor to find out exactly what is causing it.

What are the main causes of 'strawberry tongue'?

There are three main medical conditions that can cause the 'strawberry tongue' symptom. These require prompt treatment.

1. Scarlet fever

2. Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

3. Kawasaki disease

In addition to these three main causes, this symptom can also be caused by other, very rare, causes. For example, allergies to certain foods or medications, vitamin B12 deficiency, and some rare infectious diseases (e.g. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, yellow fever). However, the first three causes are the most common.

Let's now look at these three main medical conditions and what other symptoms they may have in addition to the 'strawberry tongue' symptom in this table. This will make it easier for you to understand the differences between these conditions.

A little more about scarlet fever

This is an infection caused by a bacteria called group A Streptococcus. This is the same bacteria that causes strep throat. But in scarlet fever, this bacteria produces a toxin. That toxin causes the red sores and 'strawberry tongue'. Although this disease can affect anyone of any age, it is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15. The tongue may initially be white, then turn red over a few days.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS)

This is a very rare but serious condition. It is caused by an uncontrolled growth of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria and the toxins they produce enter the body. Many people think that this is something that only happens to women when they use tampons, but this is not true. Anyone, regardless of gender, can get this condition. Since TSS symptoms appear very quickly, if you have these symptoms, you should go to a hospital's emergency department (ETU) immediately.

Kawasaki disease

This is also a rare disease. It is caused by inflammation of the blood vessels in the body. If not treated properly, the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart (coronary arteries) can become damaged. The exact cause of this is not yet known. However, it is most common in young children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. Therefore, if a young child has a strawberry-colored tongue and the symptoms mentioned above along with a fever, doctors are especially suspicious.

So how do you treat this?

Since 'strawberry tongue' is a symptom, the treatment is directed at the underlying condition that caused it. Once that condition is cured, the tongue will return to normal.

• Antibiotics: For bacterial infections like scarlet fever and TSS, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. A course of treatment of about 10 days is usually required.
• Immune globulin (IVIG): This treatment is given intravenously (IV) to a child with Kawasaki disease in a hospital. It controls the inflammation that causes symptoms.
• Antihistamines: If the symptom is caused by an allergy, these medications can help reduce swelling and redness.
• Vitamin B12: This is a very rare cause. If it is due to a vitamin B12 deficiency, you may need to eat more foods containing vitamin B12 or take a supplement as directed by your doctor.

What can happen if left untreated?

This is what we all fear. But don't panic. If you see a doctor early and get treatment, none of this risk will arise. But if you don't get treatment, it can lead to serious health risks.

For example, if left untreated, Kawasaki disease can permanently damage the blood vessels in a child's heart, leading to lifelong heart disease. Similarly, untreated scarlet fever and TSS infections can spread throughout the body, damaging internal organs such as the kidneys.

Therefore, when you see the 'strawberry tongue' symptom, don't worry unnecessarily about such dire consequences. However, remember that this is a serious enough symptom to be shown to a doctor.

Strawberry Tongue, Tongue Diseases, Pediatric Diseases, Scarlet Fever, Kawasaki Disease, Toxic Shock Syndrome