Scarlet fever: Causes, symptoms, treatment,

Overview of Scarlet Fever

A rash is the most typical sign of scarlet fever in both adults and children. It usually initiates as a red-spotted rash and evolves fine and rough like sandpaper. The scarlet-colored rash is what presents scarlet fever in its name. The rash can begin up to two to three days before a person senses ill or up to seven days after.

The rash generally begins on the neck, groin, and under the arms. It then circulates to the rest of the body. The folds of skin in the armpits, elbows, and knees can also evolve into a more serious red than the surrounding skin.

After the rash has decreased, about seven days, the skin on the guidance of the fingers and toes and in the groin may peel. This can stay for several weeks.

Symptoms

Other typical symptoms of scarlet fever include:

• red wrinkles in the armpits, elbows, and knees (Pastia’s lines)
• flushed face
• strawberry tongue, or a white tongue with red dots on the exterior
• red, sore throat with white or light-yellow patches
• fever exceeding 101°F (38.3°C)
• chills
• headaches
• swollen tonsils
• nausea and vomiting
• abdominal pain
• swollen glands along the neck
• pale skin near the lips
• itching

If severe muscle pains, vomiting, or diarrhea arise, the doctor will need to rule out other possible causes, such as toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

Cause of scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is provoked by the bacterium S. pyogenes, or group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, the exact bacterium that causes strep throat.

When the bacteria discharge toxins, scarlet fever symptoms appear.

Complications associated with scarlet fever

In most cases, the rash and other symptoms of scarlet fever will be gone in about 10 days to 2 weeks with an antibiotic cure. However, scarlet fever can induce severe complications. These can include:

• rheumatic fever
• kidney illness(glomerulonephritis)
• ear infections
• throat blemishes
• pneumonia
• arthritis

Ear infections, throat blemishes, and pneumonia can best be avoided if scarlet fever is treated promptly with the appropriate antibiotics. Other difficulties are known to be the offshoot of the body’s immune response to the condition rather than the bacteria themselves.

The following complications are possible but very irregular:

• acute kidney failure
• meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes wrapping the brain and spinal cord
• necrotizing fasciitis, a serious flesh-eating illness
• toxic shock syndrome
• endocarditis, an infection of the heart’s internal lining
• Illness of the bone and bone marrow, known as osteomyelitis

Another threat is known as pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal (PANDAS) diseases.

Treatment for scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics destroy bacteria and assist the body’s immune system fight off the bacteria provoking the infection. Make sure you or your child finish the entire course of the specified medication. This will help control the infection from causing complications or continuing further.

Most mild cases of scarlet fever determine themselves within a week without treatment.

However, treatment is necessary, as this will accelerate healing and decrease the risk of complications.

Treatment generally involves a 10-day course of oral antibiotics, usually penicillin.

The fever will usually go within 12 to 24 hours of accepting the first antibiotic medication, and patients normally heal 4 to 5 days after starting the treatment.

Preventing scarlet fever

The best ways to prevent communication of scarlet fever and other infectious illnesses are:

• Practicing good hygiene is the best way to control scarlet fever.
• Wash your hands before meals and after using the toilet.
• Clean your hands anytime you cough or sneeze.
• Wrap your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
• Don’t share spoons and drinking glasses with others, specifically in group environments.

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