What Is Scarlet Fever?
Scarlet fever is a disease that occurs due to a bacterial infection that develops in some people who have a sore throat.
This condition is also known as scarlatina, which is a fever with symptoms of a bright red rash that covers most of the body. Scarlet fever is almost always accompanied by a sore throat and high fever.
This type of fever most often occurs in children aged 5 to 15 years.
Although fever was once considered a serious childhood illness, antibiotic treatment has made it less dangerous than before.
However, if left untreated, scarlet fever can lead to more serious conditions affecting the heart, kidneys, and other parts of the body.
Scarlet Fever Symptoms
Signs and symptoms that occur due to scarlet fever include:
- Red Rash. The rash looks like a sunburn and feels like sandpaper. It usually starts on the face or neck and spreads to the trunk, arms, and legs. If pressure is applied to the reddened skin, it will turn pale.
- Red Lines. The skin folds around the groin, armpits, elbows, knees, and neck usually become redder than the surrounding rash.
- Flushed Face. The face will appear flushed with a pale ring around the mouth.
- Strawberry Tongue. The tongue generally looks red and bumpy and is often covered in a white coating early in the disease like a strawberry.
- The rash and redness on the face and tongue usually last about a week. After these signs and symptoms subside, the skin affected by the rash often peels off. Other signs and symptoms associated with dengue fever include:
- Fever of 38.3 degrees Celsius or higher and often accompanied by chills.
- The throat is very sore and red, sometimes with white or yellowish patches.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Enlarged glands in the neck (lymph nodes) that are tender to the touch.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Headache.
Scarlet Fever Risk Factors
Children aged 5 to 15 years are more susceptible to scarlet fever than other age groups.
In addition, the bacteria that cause this disease also spread more easily among people who are in close contact, such as family members or classmates.
Other risk factors include:
- Frequently being in crowded environments, such as schools or daycares, is riskier because of close contact with many people.
- Children have immune systems that are not fully mature, so they are more susceptible to infections.
- People who have been infected with group A Streptococcus bacteria are at greater risk of developing scarlet fever, especially if they have had a streptococcal throat infection.
- Scarlet fever is more common during the winter and spring when children are more indoors and the bacteria spread more easily.
- Children who are in close proximity to infected individuals, especially those who have not been treated with antibiotics, are at higher risk of contracting scarlet fever.
- Poor hand hygiene or not maintaining personal hygiene can increase the risk of spreading bacteria.
- If a family member has had scarlet fever, the possibility of it spreading within the family is higher.
Causes of Scarlet Fever
Bacteria called group A Streptococcus or group A strep are the cause of scarlet fever.
Well, bacteria sometimes make toxins, which cause the “red” rash.
These bacteria can live in the nose and throat and can easily spread to other people.
It is important to note that not all infected people have symptoms or appear sick.
An infected person will usually spread the bacteria by coughing or sneezing, because when coughing or sneezing, a person will produce small respiratory droplets ( droplets ) that contain bacteria.
- Children can get scarlet fever if they.
- Inhaling droplets.
- Touching something with droplets on it and then touching your mouth or nose.
- Drinking from the same glass or eating from the same plate as a sick person.
In rare cases, people can spread the bacteria through food that is not handled or prepared properly. Additionally, experts do not believe pets or household items, such as toys, spread the bacteria.
Scarlet Fever Diagnosis
During a physical examination, the doctor will make a diagnosis in the form of:
- Check the condition of the child’s throat, tonsils, and tongue.
- Feel your child’s neck to determine if the lymph nodes are enlarged.
- Assess the appearance and texture of the rash.
In addition, there is another test that will be done, namely a throat swab test. This is done if the doctor suspects that strep bacteria is the cause of the child’s illness.
He or she will swab the tonsils and the back of the child’s throat to collect material containing strep bacteria.
Testing for strep bacteria is important because a number of conditions can cause the signs and symptoms of scarlet fever, and these illnesses require different treatments.
If there is no strep bacteria, then there is another factor causing the disease.
Scarlet Fever Complications
If the fever is not treated, the bacteria can spread to the:
- Tonsils.
- Lungs.
- Skin.
- Kidney.
- Blood.
- Middle ear.
In rare cases, scarlet fever can lead to rheumatic fever, a serious condition that can affect various organs, such as:
- Heart.
- Joints.
- Nervous system.
- Skin.
Scarlet Fever Treatment
If your child has scarlet fever, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Make sure your child finishes the antibiotics as directed.
Failure to follow treatment guidelines may not completely eliminate the infection and will increase the child’s risk of complications.
Children can also return to school when they have taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours and no longer have a fever.
Parents can also take a number of steps to reduce their child’s discomfort and pain, namely:
- Treating Fever and Pain. Use ibuprofen or acetaminophen to control fever and minimize sore throat.
- Provide Adequate Fluids. Give your child plenty of fluids to keep the throat moist and prevent dehydration.
- Prepare Saltwater Mouthwash. If your child can gargle with water, give him salt water to gargle with and then spit out. This can relieve a sore throat.
- Humidify the Air. Use a cool-mist humidifier to eliminate dry air that can further irritate a sore throat.
- Offer Throat Lozenges. Children older than 4 years old can suck on throat lozenges to soothe a sore throat.
- Provide Soothing Foods. Warm liquids such as soup can help soothe a sore throat.
- Avoid Irritants. Keep your home free of cigarette smoke and cleaning products that can irritate your throat.
Scarlet Fever Prevention
Unfortunately, there is no vaccine to prevent scarlet fever. The best prevention strategies for this fever are the same as standard precautions against infection, for example:
- Wash your hands regularly. Show your child how to wash his hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
- Don’t Share Utensils or Food. As a basic rule, children should never share drinking glasses or eating utensils with friends or classmates. This rule also applies to sharing food.
- Cover Mouth and Nose. Tell your child to cover his or her mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing to prevent the potential spread of germs.
If your child has scarlet fever, wash his drinking glasses, eating utensils, and toys in hot soapy water or in the dishwasher.
