How to know if your child has scarlet fever

How to know if your child has scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is a disease caused by toxins produced by group A streptococcus bacteria, most commonly associated with strep throat. About 10% of strep infections develop into scarlet fever. [1] If left untreated, scarlet fever can lead to lifelong medical illnesses. If you start showing symptoms of scarlet fever, you should see a doctor immediately for antibiotics.

1

Watch for sore throat. Not all sore throats are caused by strep, but a sore throat is the most common symptom of strep. Take note of sore throat and difficulty or pain in swallowing. The effects of strep often show up in the tonsils at the back of your child's throat. They may become red and swollen and may also develop white spots or show signs of pus.

2

Look for common signs of illness. Strep throat is also known to cause fatigue, abdominal pain, vomiting, headache and fever. Strep throat can also cause swollen lymph nodes: large raised bumps in the neck, usually in the front.

You usually shouldn't be able to feel your lymph nodes. If they have grown to the point where you can feel them, chances are you have an infection. They can also be tender and reddish in color.

3

If the sore throat lasts for more than 48 hours, see a doctor. If your child has swollen lymph nodes along with a sore throat or has a fever over 101 °F (38.3 °C), be equally careful.

1

Beware of rising temperatures. If the disease is progressing from a sore throat to scarlet fever, your child's temperature will often start to rise. Scarlet fever usually occurs with a temperature of 101 °F (38.3 °C) or higher. Sometimes your child will experience chills along with fever. [3]

2

Be aware of impetigo. Sometimes scarlet fever may be accompanied by a streptococcal skin infection called impetigo, and not with a sore throat. [4] Impetigo causes redness, bumps, blisters or pus in the skin, usually on a child's face, around the mouth and nose.

3

Look for a red rash. The symptom of strep developing into scarlet fever is a red rash. It will look like a sunburn and feel rough to the touch, like sandpaper. If pressure is applied to the skin, it may lighten for a while.

The rash usually starts around the face, neck and chest (most common on the neck and chest), spreads to the abdomen and back, and less frequently, to the arms or legs.

As well as shrinking of the skin in the groin, armpits, elbows, knees and neck, your child may develop darker red lines than the rest of the rash.

It is common to have a circle of pale skin around the lips.

4

Look for strawberry tongue. This is due to the enlargement of the taste buds on the tongue. At first, the taste buds will be covered with a white coating. After a few days, the tongue will usually start to appear red, bumpy.

5

Watch for peeling skin. As the red rash begins to fade, your child's skin may start to peel, such as after a sunburn. be warned; This does not mean that the disease is gone. You should still seek medical help.

6

See a doctor immediately. You should take your child to the doctor if they develop redness of the skin along with fever and/or sore throat. [10] Although scarlet fever is easily treated with antibiotics, if it is left untreated, it can lead to a number of complications.

Untreated, scarlet fever causes kidney disease, skin infections, ear infections, sore throats, lung infections, arthritis,[1 1] heart problems and problems with the nervous system (rheumatic fever).

1

Be careful with children. Scarlet fever most commonly affects children between the ages of 5 and 15. When someone of that age develops symptoms of scarlet fever, you should be especially vigilant and take him to a doctor as soon as possible.

2

Be careful if your child has a weak immune system. If your child is already suffering from an infection or any other disease that will weaken his immune system, he will be prone to bacterial infections like scarlet fever.

Be careful in crowded environment. The bacteria that cause scarlet fever live in the nose and throat and are transmitted through contact with fluids spread through coughing and sneezing. If you or your child touches something that someone coughs or sneezes on, you are susceptible to contracting the disease that causes scarlet fever. This is most likely to happen in congested areas.

Since young children are most susceptible to the disease, schools are an especially common place to contract the disease.

Image titled Know if Your Child Has Scarlet Fever Step 6

4

Ensure that precautions are taken to limit the spread of infection. Your child should wash his hands frequently and avoid sharing utensils, linens, towels or other personal items with people. Individuals can be contagious even after being symptomatic.

Anyone with scarlet fever should stay home for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.