Introduction

Kawasaki disease is a rare condition that mainly affects children under the age of five. It's also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome.

The characteristic symptomsare a high temperature that lasts for more than five days, with:

• a rash
• swollen glands in the neck
• dry, cracked lips
• red fingers or toes
• red eyes

After a few weeks thesymptoms become less severe, but may last longer. At this stage, the affectedchild may have peeling skin on their fingers and toes.

If your baby is less than six months old, you should be particularly cautious and see your GP as soon as possible.

The symptoms of Kawasaki disease can be similar to those ofother conditions that cause a Fever, childhood .

Kawasaki disease can't be prevented. However,most children make a full recovery within six to eight weeks if it's diagnosed and treated promptly.

The sooner treatment starts, the quicker the recovery time and the less risk there is of complications developing.

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), a solution of antibodies, and aspirinare thetwo main medicinesused to treat Kawasaki disease.

Complications can be fatal in about 1% of cases.

Because of this, the condition has become the leading cause of acquired heart disease where the heart's blood supply is blocked or interruptedin the UK.

The condition was also shown to be 1.5 times more common in boys than girls.

Support

The Kawasaki Support Group UK can provide you with additional information and advice about your child's condition.

Information about your child

If your child has been affected by Kawasaki disease, your clinical team will pass information about him or her on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS).

This helps scientists look for better ways to prevent and treat this condition. You can opt out of the register at any time.

Find out more about the register .