Scarlet Fever

What is Scarlet Fever

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection. It is caused by the bacteria that cause strep throat. It can be spread from person to person (is contagious) through coughing or sneezing. It is most likely to develop in school-aged children.

This condition is treated with antibiotic medicine. If it is treated, it usually does not cause long-term problems.

4 Interesting Facts of Scarlet Fever

  1. Severe systemic disease caused by certain strains of group A streptococcus
  2. Rash, fever, and lymphadenopathy are present, as in MIS-C
  3. Lip, ocular, and extremity changes are not present
  4. Positive rapid streptococcal test or culture result is diagnostic

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

  • Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s doctor.
  • Do not give your child aspirin.
  • Give your child antibiotic medicine only as told by your child’s doctor. Do not stop giving your child the antibiotic even if he or she starts to feel better.

Eating and drinking

  • Have your child drink enough fluid to keep his or her pee (urine) clear or pale yellow.
  • Your child may need to eat a soft food diet until his or her throat feels better. This may include yogurt and soups.

Infection control

  • Family members who develop a sore throat or fever should:
    • Go to their doctor.
    • Be tested for strep throat.
  • Have your child wash his or her hands often. Wash your hands often. Make sure that all people in your household wash their hands well. Wash hands with soap and water. If there is no soap and water, use hand sanitizer.
  • Do not let your child share food, drinking cups, utensils, towels, or other personal items. This can spread the disease.
  • Have your child stay home from school and avoid areas that have a lot of people. Do this until he or she is on antibiotics for at least 24 hours, or as told by your child’s doctor.

General instructions

  • Have your child rest and get plenty of sleep as needed.
  • Have your child gargle with a salt-water mixture 3–4 times a day or as needed. To make a salt-water mixture, completely dissolve ½-1 tsp of salt in 1 cup of warm water.
  • Try placing a cool-mist humidifier in your child’s room. This can help to keep the air moist and prevent more throat pain.
  • Do not let your child scratch his or her rash.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

  • Your child’s symptoms do not get better.
  • Your child’s symptoms get worse.
  • Your child has green, yellow-brown, or bloody phlegm.
  • Your child has joint pain.
  • Your child’s leg or legs swell.
  • Your child looks pale.
  • Your child feels weak.
  • Your child is peeing less than normal.
  • Your child has a very bad headache or earache.
  • Your child’s fever goes away and then comes back.
  • Your child’s rash has fluid, blood, or pus coming from it.
  • Your child’s rash is redder, more swollen, or more painful.
  • Your child’s neck is swollen.
  • Your child’s sore throat comes back after treatment is done.
  • Your child still has a fever after he or she takes the antibiotic for 48 hours.
  • Your child has chest pain.

Get help right away if:

  • Your child is breathing quickly or having trouble breathing.
  • Your child has dark brown or bloody pee.
  • Your child is not peeing.
  • Your child has neck pain.
  • Your child is having trouble swallowing.
  • Your child’s voice changes.
  • Your child who is younger than 3 months has a temperature of 100°F (38°C) or higher.

Summary

  • Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection. It is caused by the bacteria that cause strep throat.
  • This condition is treated with antibiotic medicine. Do not stop giving your child the antibiotic even if he or she starts to feel better.
  • Have your child stay home from school and avoid areas that have a lot of people. Do this until he or she is on antibiotics for at least 24 hours, or as told by your child’s doctor.
  • Have your child wash his or her hands often. Wash your hands often.
15585

Sign up to receive the trending updates and tons of Health Tips

Join SeekhealthZ and never miss the latest health information

15856