Differential Diagnosis for Strawberry Tongue
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Scarlet Fever: This is the most common condition associated with strawberry tongue, characterized by a bright red tongue with prominent papillae, often accompanied by a sore throat and rash.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Kawasaki Disease: An acute febrile illness that can cause strawberry tongue, along with other symptoms like fever, rash, and lymphadenopathy.
- Toxic Shock Syndrome: A severe condition that can cause strawberry tongue, along with other symptoms like fever, rash, and hypotension.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome: A severe and potentially life-threatening condition that can cause strawberry tongue, along with other symptoms like fever, rash, and hypotension.
- Bacterial Tracheitis: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can cause strawberry tongue, along with other symptoms like sore throat and respiratory distress.
- Rare diagnoses
- Vitamin Deficiencies (e.g., Vitamin B12 or Iron deficiency): Can cause changes in the tongue, including a strawberry-like appearance, although this is less common.
- Geographic Tongue: A benign condition that can cause changes in the tongue's surface, including a strawberry-like appearance, although this is not typically associated with systemic illness.