Sophie Hinchcliffe, best known by her online moniker of Mrs. Hinch, knows how to clean up a mess. After all, her cleaning skills are what launched her into popularity as a cleaning influencer on Instagram; the Queen of Clean has even written a book highlighting her favorite cleaning tips. But now, Mrs. Hinch is committed to being a rare disease advocate after her 3-year-old son Ronnie was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease. 

According to the Irish Examiner, Ronnie began running an extreme fever of 40 degrees Celsius (approx. 104 degrees Fahrenheit) within the last two weeks. Nothing seemed to bring the fever down. It was even more worrying when Ronnie stopped being able to move his head. Eventually, the family brought Ronnie to the hospital for help. He was admitted—but after multiple days in the hospital, and more tests than the family could count, there were no answers.

Finally, as symptoms began appearing, the family learned that Ronnie had Kawasaki disease. He is currently receiving intravenous treatment, but the family is hopeful that he will return home soon. Moving forward, Mrs. Hinch has asked for other caregivers of children with Kawasaki disease to reach out. 

About Kawasaki Disease

Kawasaki disease is a rare condition characterized by inflammation in small-to-medium blood vessels, as well as the coronary arteries, which supply oxygenated blood to the heart. It is most common in children of Asian or Pacific Islander descent, under five years old, and boys; however, it can occur in girls as well (I’m an example as I had Kawasaki disease when I was a child!). 

Doctors do not know what causes Kawasaki disease. There are a few hypotheses that suggest that environmental factors, as well as genetic susceptibility, may play a role. Complications can occur. However, if a child receives treatment within 10 days of symptom onset, they often recover without any issues. Treatment includes aspirin, IVIG, and heart monitoring.

The disease occurs in three phases. In the first phase, children may present with:

• Dry, cracked lips
• Irritability
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Red, inflamed, and irritated skin on the palms and soles
• “Strawberry tongue” – a swollen, bumpy, red tongue that may resemble a strawberry
• Eye redness
• A high fever that lasts for at least 3 days
• Rashes on the body and genitals

By the time the second phase approaches, children may experience:

• Extreme skin peeling on the palms, soles, toes, and fingers
• Joint pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal discomfort 

Finally, symptoms begin to go away in the third phase. It may take up to eight weeks for symptoms to fully disappear.