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Scarlet Fever — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModerateOral MedicineScarlet FeverNDEB AFK

Which condition presents with a strawberry-red tongue and perioral pallor in a child with fever and pharyngitis?

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Correct answer: E — Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever (caused by group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus producing erythrogenic toxin) presents with a fine sandpaper-like rash, circumoral pallor, and a strawberry tongue (initially white-coated with red papillae protruding, later red and denuded). The tongue appearance is pathognomonic. Treatment is penicillin or amoxicillin. Kawasaki disease also has strawberry tongue but presents with conjunctivitis, rash, lymphadenopathy, and extremity changes.

Reference: Neville – Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 4th ed., 2016