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Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that can occur in persons who have strep throat. Scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina, is characterized by a brilliant red rash that covers the majority of the body. Scarlet fever is frequently associated with a painful throat and a high fever.
Scarlet fever is most frequent in children aged 5 to 15. Scarlet fever was once thought to be a devastating childhood sickness, but antibiotics have made it less dangerous. Scarlet fever, if left untreated, can lead to more serious disorders affecting the heart, kidneys, and other organs.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SCARLET FEVER?
The following are the signs and symptoms that give scarlet fever its name:
- Red rash: The rash has the appearance of a sunburn and the texture of sandpaper. It usually starts on the face or neck and progresses to the torso, arms, and legs. When you apply pressure to the reddened skin, it will turn pale.
- Red lines: The skin folds around the groin, armpits, elbows, knees, and neck frequently get a darker red than the rest of the rash.
- Face flushed: A heated face with a pale ring around the mouth is possible.
- Strawberry tongue: The tongue appears red and rough, and it is frequently covered with a white covering early in the disease.
The rash and facial and tongue redness normally last approximately a week. After these indications and symptoms have disappeared, the rash-affected skin frequently peels. Scarlet fever is also connected with the following signs and symptoms:
- Fever of 101 F (38.3 C) or higher, frequently accompanied by chills
- Very painful and red throat, sometimes with white or yellowish areas
- Swallowing Difficulties
- Lymph nodes are enlarged glands in the neck that are painful to the touch.
- Vomiting or nausea
- Headache
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SCARLET FEVER?
The same bacteria that causes strep throat also causes scarlet fever. Scarlet fever is caused by bacteria releasing a toxin that causes the rash and crimson tongue.
Droplets ejected when an infected individual coughs or sneezes spread the infection from person to person. In most cases, the incubation period (the time between exposure and disease) is two to four days.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR SCARLET FEVER?
Scarlet fever is more common among children aged 5 to 15 than in the general population. Scarlet fever germs spread faster among those who are in close contact, such as family members or classmates.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF SCARLET FEVER?
If scarlet fever is not treated, the germs can spread to:
- Tonsils
- Lungs
- Skin
- Kidneys
- Blood
- The middle ear
Scarlet fever can occasionally progress to rheumatic fever, a dangerous illness that can affect the:
- Heart
- Joints
- The nervous system
- Skin
HOW IS SCARLET FEVER DIAGNOSED?
Your doctor will do the following during the physical exam:
- Examine your child's throat, tonsils, and tongue for any signs of infection.
- Feel your child's neck to see if there are any swollen lymph nodes.
- Examine the rash's look and texture.
Throat swab
If your doctor suspects strep is the source of your child's illness, he or she will also swab your child's tonsils and back of the throat to collect material that may hold the strep germs.
Tests for the strep bacteria are necessary because scarlet fever can be caused by a variety of disorders, each of which requires a unique therapy. If no strep bacteria are present, the sickness is caused by another causes.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR SCARLET FEVER?
Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic if your child develops scarlet fever. Make certain that your youngster finishes the entire course of medication. Failure to follow the treatment requirements may result in the infection not being entirely eradicated, increasing your child's risk of consequences.
Your child may return to school after taking antibiotics for at least 24 hours and no longer having a fever.
HOME REMEDIES FOR SCARLET FEVER
You can take several steps to alleviate your child's discomfort and anguish.
- Fever and pain relief: To reduce fever and throat pain, take ibuprofen (Advil, Children's Motrin, and others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, and others).
- Provide enough fluids: Drink plenty of water to keep your child's throat moist and prevent dehydration.
- Make a saltwater gargle: Give your youngster salty water to gargle and then spit out if he or she is able to do so. This may help with the throat soreness.
- Make the air more humid: Use a cool mist humidifier to eliminate dry air, which can aggravate a sore throat.
- Provide lozenges: To ease a sore throat, children over the age of four can suck on lozenges.
- Provide soothing foods: Warm beverages like soup and cool snacks like ice pops might help relieve a sore throat.
- Irritants should be avoided: Keep cigarette smoke and throat-irritating cleaning agents out of your home.
HOW CAN SCARLET FEVER BE PREVENTED?
Scarlet fever is not preventable with a vaccination. The best scarlet fever preventative techniques are the same as basic infection precautions:
- Hand washing: Show your child how to properly wash his or her hands with warm soapy water.
- Share no dining utensils or food: Drinking glasses and eating utensils should never be shared by your child with friends or classmates. This guideline also applies to food sharing.
- Cover your nose and mouth: To avoid the spread of germs, instruct your child to cover his or her mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
If your child has scarlet fever, wash drinking glasses, utensils, and, if feasible, toys in hot soapy water or in the dishwasher.