What is a common sign observed in patients diagnosed with Kawasaki disease?

In patients diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, a hallmark sign is the redness and swelling of the hands and feet, often accompanied by desquamation (the peeling of the skin). This condition is characterized by systemic inflammation, and the involvement of the extremities is a prominent feature. The inflammatory response typically causes the palms and soles to become swollen and red, which may eventually lead to the shedding of the skin. This sign is part of a broader set of diagnostic criteria that also includes fever, rash, conjunctival injection, cervical lymphadenopathy, and changes in the lips and oral cavity.

While joint swelling, palpitations, and shortness of breath can occur in various other illnesses or conditions, they are not specifically diagnostic of Kawasaki disease. Joint swelling is more commonly associated with other inflammatory or autoimmune processes. Palpitations and shortness of breath may result from cardiac involvement in severe cases of Kawasaki, but they do not represent the unique cutaneous findings that are critical for the diagnosis. Therefore, the redness and swelling of hands and feet, along with desquamation, stands out as a defining characteristic of Kawasaki disease.