A child presents with cracked lips, rash, and strawberry tongue. What is the likely diagnosis?

The presentation of cracked lips, rash, and strawberry tongue is characteristic of Kawasaki disease. This condition, primarily affecting young children, is marked by inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis) and can lead to serious cardiovascular complications if not treated promptly.

Cracked lips and strawberry tongue are seen due to mucosal involvement and inflammation. The "strawberry tongue" is particularly distinctive, where the tongue appears red and bumpy due to swollen, inflamed papillae. The rash associated with Kawasaki disease can vary but may present as a diffuse or atypical rash that can affect multiple body areas.

In contrast, while scarlet fever also presents with a rash and "strawberry tongue," it is usually accompanied by a very specific type of rash, often described as sandpaper-like, and is caused by group A Streptococcus. Streptococcal infection, in general, may also include sore throat and fever but does not typically present with the combination of findings described. Hand, foot, and mouth disease primarily affects the oral cavity and the skin on the hands and feet and is caused by enteroviruses, which results in different clinical findings.

Taking into account the specific symptoms presented, Kawasaki disease emerges as the most likely diagnosis, highlighting