Scarlet Fever

Scarlet Fever is an infection caused by streptococcal bacteria, very similar to step throat. In the distant past, Scarlet Fever was considered a very dangerous illness, but now it is rare to find in infants and toddlers. If caught early it is easily treated. If a parent suspects their child may have any of these symptoms, they should take them to a physician. Scarlet Fever is typically found in children between the ages of 2 and 10.

Symptoms of Scarlet Fever

Symptoms of Scarlet Fever are commonly high fever, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, headache, stomach pain, followed by a red rash that starts at the neck and chest, and then spreads to the rest of the body. Occasionally, the rash will extend to the tongue, but usually after three days the rash will disappear and the fever will fall. However, sometimes the tongue will still stay swollen for a couple of days.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Your pediatrician will check the child over looking for significant signs of the disease i.e. rash, swollen tongue, and swollen throat. If the doctor finds signs of the infection he will perform a throat swab and ship it to a laboratory for further testing. There is a quicker test available, but it is less accurate.

Unlike other childhood illnesses cannot be left to run its course without treatment. It is a very serious disease with very serious complications. It can spread to the heart, kidneys, and other various vital organs, which leave them scarred and possibly crippled for life.

If the test comes back positive the doctor will prescribe appropriate antibiotics. Homecare should include plenty of rest, water, and juice to help rejuvenate and flush out the system. Acetaminophen can be given to the child for the pain associated with the infection, but never give children aspirin. Studies show giving a child aspirin with Scarlet Fever can cause Reyes Syndrome, which is a rare and possibly life threatening infection of the liver.

Is it Contagious?

Scarlet Fever is contagious for at least 10 to 21 days after infection and anyone infected should be quarantined for that period of time if untreated. If your child has scarlet fever and is given antibiotics, he or she should wait at least 24 hours before being around others.