ParentsKidsTeensEducators MORE for Parents Whats in this article? (click to view) About Scarlet Fever Symptoms of Scarlet Fever Preventing Scarlet Fever Treating Scarlet Fever Caring for a Child With Scarlet Fever When to Call the Doctor About Scarlet Fever Scarlet fever is caused by an infection with group A streptococcus bacteria. The bacteria make a toxin (poison) that can cause the scarlet-colored rash from which this illness gets its name. Not all streptococci bacteria make this toxin and not all kids are sensitive to it. Two kids in the same family may both have strep infections, but one child (who is sensitive to the toxin) may develop the rash of scarlet fever while the other may not. Usually, if a child has this scarlet rash and other symptoms of strep throat, it can be treated with antibiotics. So if your child has these symptoms, its important to call your doctor. Symptoms of Scarlet Fever The rash is the most striking sign of scarlet fever. It usually begins looking like a bad sunburn with tiny bumps and it may itch. The rash usually appears first on the neck and face, often leaving a clear unaffected area around the mouth. It spreads to the chest and back, then to the rest of the body. In body creases, especially around the underarms and elbows, the rash forms classic red streaks. Areas of rash usually turn white when you press on them. By the sixth day of the infection the rash usually fades, but the affected skin may begin to peel. Aside from the rash, there are usually other symptoms that help to confirm a diagnosis of scarlet fever, including a reddened sore throat, a fever above 101°F (38.3°C), and swollen glands in the neck. The tonsils and back of the throat may be covered with a whitish coating, or appear red, swollen, and dotted with whitish or yellowish specks of pus. Early in the infection, the tongue may have a whitish or yellowish coating. A child with scarlet fever also may have chills, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. When scarlet fever occurs because of a throat infection, the fever typically stops within 3 to 5 days, and the sore throat passes soon afterward. The scarlet fever rash usually fades on the sixth day after sore throat symptoms began, but skin that was covered by rash may begin to peel. This peeling may last 10 days. With antibiotic treatment, the infection itself is usually cured with a 10-day course of antibiotics, but it may take a few weeks for tonsils and swollen glands to return to normal. In rare cases, scarlet fever may develop from a streptococcal skin infection like impetigo. In these cases, the child may not get a sore throat. Preventing Scarlet Fever The bacterial infection that causes scarlet fever is contagious. A child who has scarlet fever can spread the bacteria to others through nasal and throat fluids by sneezing and coughing. If a child has a skin infection caused by strep bacteria, like impetigo, it can be passed through contact with the skin. In everyday life, there is no perfect way to avoid the infections that cause scarlet fever. When a child is sick at home, its always safest to keep that childs drinking glasses and eating utensils separate from those of other family members, and to wash these items thoroughly in hot soapy water. Wash your own hands frequently as you care for a child with a strep infection. Treating Scarlet Fever If your child has a rash and the doctor suspects scarlet fever, he or she will usually take a throat culture (a painless swab of throat secretions) to see if the bacteria grow in the laboratory. Once a strep infection is confirmed, the doctor will likely prescribe an antibiotic for your child to be taken for about 10 days. Caring for a Child With Scarlet Fever A child with severe strep throat may find that eating is painful, so providing soft foods or a liquid diet may be necessary. Include soothing teas and warm nutritious soups, or cool soft drinks, milkshakes, and ice cream. Make sure that the child drinks plenty of fluids. Use a cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air, since this will help soothe the sore throat. A moist warm towel may help to soothe swollen glands around your childs neck. If the rash itches, make sure that your childs fingernails are trimmed short so skin isnt damaged through scratching. When to Call the Doctor Call the doctor whenever your child suddenly develops a rash, especially if it is accompanied by a fever, sore throat, or swollen glands. This is especially important if your child has any of the symptoms of strep throat, or if someone in your family or in your childs school has recently had a strep infection. Reviewed by: Joel Klein, MD Date reviewed: July 2012 For Parents MORE ON THIS TOPIC Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) Why Is Hand Washing So Important? Hives (Urticaria) Erythema Multiforme Adenovirus Strep Test: Throat Culture Pityriasis Rosea Fifth Disease Fever and Taking Your Childs Temperature Erythema Toxicum Additional resources View: Mobile | Desktop About KidsHealthAbout NemoursContact UsPartnersEditorial PolicyPrivacy Policy & Terms of Use Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.© 1995-2014 KidsHealth® All rights reserved.
Posted on: Sun, 02 Feb 2014 03:40:59 +0000
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