Scarlet fever is an illness caused by infection with Group A Streptococcus bacteria. This bacterium produces a toxin that causes red rashes, hence the name scarlet fever.
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Wash your hands frequently if caring for a sick child |
Not all Group A Streptococcus bacteria produce this toxin, and not all children are infected by them. It is possible for two children in the same family to be exposed to this bacterium, but one child (typically the one more susceptible to toxins) may develop scarlet fever while the other does not.
Symptoms of the Disease
The most prominent sign of scarlet fever is the rash. It usually begins with small spots resembling sunburn, which may swell and itch. The rash typically appears first on the neck and back and generally does not affect the areas around the mouth.
The rash spreads from the chest and back, later extending to other parts of the body. In the skin folds, particularly in the armpits and elbows, the rash forms fixed red spots. In other areas, the rash often turns white when pressed. The rash will fade by the sixth day after infection.
In addition to the rash, other common symptoms that help recognize scarlet fever include a sore and red throat, fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3oC), and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. The tonsils and the back of the throat may be covered with a white or red coating, swollen and dotted with small white spots or slight yellow pus. A child with scarlet fever may also experience chills, body aches, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
When scarlet fever arises from a sore throat, the fever typically subsides within 3-5 days, and the sore throat usually resolves soon after. The rash typically diminishes after 6 days from the onset of symptoms, although the skin covered with a rash may peel. This peeling process can last up to 10 days. If treated with antibiotics, the illness generally resolves within a week, but it may take several weeks for the tonsils and swollen glands to return to normal.
In some cases (rarely), scarlet fever may develop into impetigo, which causes skin infections also due to Group A Streptococcus. In these cases, the child may not have a sore throat.
Preventing Scarlet Fever
A child with scarlet fever can spread the bacteria to others through nasal and throat secretions when sneezing or coughing. If the child has a skin infection due to Group A Streptococcus, such as impetigo, it can be transmitted through direct skin contact.
In daily life, there is no foolproof method to prevent infections that can lead to scarlet fever. When a child is sick at home, the safest approach is to provide the child with separate utensils for eating and drinking, and to wash these items in hot soapy water. Wash your hands frequently if caring for a sick child.
Treating Scarlet Fever
If a child is diagnosed with scarlet fever, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics for about 10 days. They may also prescribe medications to treat the skin rash…
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