A strawberry tongue is most commonly caused by group A β-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis, which leads to hypertrophy of the papillae.
The prominent papillae are initially covered by a white coating, giving the appearance of a white strawberry tongue
A strawberry tongue is most commonly caused by group A β-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis.
The white coating is usually lost in 1 to 2 days, giving rise to a red strawberry tongue
Group A β-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis include fever, beefy red pharynx, enlarged and erythematous tonsils with or without exudates, enlarged tender anterior cervical lymph nodes, and sometimes, palatal petechiae, and a scarlatiniform rash.
Group A β-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis may lead to local suppurative complications: peritonsillar abscess, suppurative cervical lymphadenitis, cellulitis, and retropharyngeal abscess.
Rarely: bacteremia, necrotizing fasciitis, and streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome.
Nonsuppurative complications can include: acute glomerulonephritis, rheumatic fever, reactive arthritis-synovitis, and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder.
Strawberry tongue is seen in ((Kawasaki syndrome)).
Rarely, strawberry tongue can be caused by yellow fever and Yersinia.