Differential Diagnosis for Strawberry Tongue
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Scarlet Fever: This is the most common cause of strawberry tongue, characterized by a bright red tongue with prominent papillae, often accompanied by a sore throat and fever.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Kawasaki Disease: An acute febrile illness that can cause strawberry tongue, along with other symptoms like rash, conjunctivitis, and cervical lymphadenopathy.
- Toxic Shock Syndrome: A severe condition that can cause strawberry tongue, along with high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and hypotension.
- Vitamin Deficiencies (e.g., Vitamin B12, Iron, or Folate deficiency): These deficiencies can cause changes in the tongue's appearance, including a strawberry-like appearance.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Diphtheria: A bacterial infection that can cause a strawberry tongue, along with a membrane covering the tonsils and throat, and can lead to respiratory obstruction if not treated promptly.
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: A severe skin and mucous membrane disorder that can cause strawberry tongue, along with other symptoms like skin blisters and eye inflammation.
- Rare diagnoses
- Geographic Tongue: A benign condition that can cause changes in the tongue's surface, including a strawberry-like appearance, but is usually asymptomatic.
- Median Rhomboid Glossitis: A rare condition that can cause a strawberry-like appearance on the tongue, often accompanied by other oral lesions.