Doctor, Doctor...
By Dave Hall
For all you hypochondriacs out there, Dave Hall continues his regular look at a some of the more unusual medical conditions, as well as some you thought you knew all about.
This week: STRAWBERRY TONGUE.
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Condition – Strawberry tongue is a condition where the tongue has a very red inflamed appearance giving it the look of a strawberry. The red papillae (small bumps) on the surface also add to this illusion. It is commonly found when a patient has scarlet fever, toxic shock syndrome and other conditions. We’ll concentrate on the scarlet fever, as this is pretty common. It’s caused by an exotoxin released by Streptococcus pyogenes, and is accompanied by sore throat, fever, the 'strawberry tongue' effect. There is also a fine red rash over the upper body that may spread to most of the body. Before the 20th century, the disease was known as scarlatina but has now replaced the term "scarlet fever" in most areas.
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Contagion – You can't catch a red tongue of someone, but you can catch scarlet fever – which is a contagious disease. Historically, it was not uncommon to burn sufferer’s possessions to prevent the disease spreading.
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| Danger of death – None from the tongue itself, and it’s very rare to die from scarlet fever too, so you should be ok! |  |
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Incurability? – A dose of antibiotics and you’ll be as right as rain.
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Likelihood of getting time off work – A few days off while you’re contagious, then it’s back to the desk I’m afraid.
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| Brag-ability – Your mates will probably think you’ve been at the red lollies again, so no kudos for sticking your tongue out everywhere. Best keep it all quiet and let the rash die down. |
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Overall ridiculousness – Not as serious a condition as it was two or three hundred years ago. But still one to be aware of. Did you know Scarlet Fever is also the title of a 1983 hit single by Kenny Rogers? No, neither did we. |
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More conditions to come soon:
Stiff-man syndrome, Esotropia and more.
Find more curious conditions in Doctor Doctor. If you can't wait for the next Doctor Doctor, then why not find a Phunny Phobia to keep you going?
Photo: Fastily/Wiki
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