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Imagine waking up with a sore throat, a high fever, and a bright red rash spreading all over your body. Is it just a regular cold or something more serious? If you or your child are experiencing these symptoms, it could be scarlet fever—a communicable bacterial infection that requires immediate attention. Scarlet fever predominantly affects children aged 5 to 15 years, although it can occur in younger children and adults as well. While scarlet fever might sound alarming, the good news is that recovery is quick and easy with early detection and proper treatment. In this blog, we will see scarlet fever, its symptoms, and how to get the right treatment fast to ensure a smooth recovery.
Synopsis
What is Scarlet Fever?
Scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina, is a bacterial infection that usually affects children of ages between 5 to 15 years old (school age or teenagers). The rash has a distinctive texture, usually described as feeling like "sandpaper" when touched. Scarlet fever is highly contagious and can spread easily, mainly in places where people are close together, like schools or offices.
Scarlet fever is caused by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes (or group A strep). This bacteria produces a toxin (poison) that causes skin rash. This bacteria can also cause other infections like strep throat, impetigo (a skin infection), erysipelas (a skin infection with swelling), cellulitis (a deeper skin infection), and necrotising fasciitis (a serious infection that destroys tissue).
Scarlet Fever Symptoms: How to Recognise It?
After infection, the rash appears two to three days later; however, it may take up to a week. Scarlet fever symptoms are:
Sore Throat (Pharyngitis):
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Fever and pain while swallowing.
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Swollen glands in the neck.
Rash:
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Red, bumpy rash that feels rough, like sandpaper.
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Starts on the chest, underarms, and groin, and then spreads to the arms and legs.
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Normally doesn’t affect the palms of hands and soles of feet.
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The area around the mouth stays pale (circumoral pallor).
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Strawberry Tongue:
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White coating on the tongue with raised bumps (papillae).
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As the coating fades, the bumps remain, giving the tongue a strawberry-like appearance.
Pastia Lines:
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Red streaks appear in skin folds, such as around the neck, armpits, and groin.
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These lines are formed by clusters of small red bumps, especially in pressure areas.
Skin Peeling (Desquamation):
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After the rash fades, the skin may peel, especially on the fingertips and toes.
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This peeling can last for up to two weeks.
Other Symptoms:
- In addition, some kids may have headaches, nausea, vomiting, or a body temperature of 100.4 F (38.0 C) or higher.
If you or your child experiences any of the above symptoms, consult at Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar.
How is Scarlet Fever Diagnosed?
See a doctor immediately if you or your kid exhibits scarlet fever symptoms. Early diagnosis reduces complications and assists in determining the appropriate course of therapy. This is how doctors diagnose scarlet fever:
Physical Examination and Medical History:
First, the doctor will enquire about your symptoms, including fever, sore throat, rash, and any other symptoms you may have observed. They will also check for physical signs like swollen glands in the neck (cervical nodes), redness in the throat, or a rash.
Throat Swab (Throat Culture):
The physician may use a swab to collect a sample from the back of the throat. This is to look for the bacteria that causes scarlet fever, Streptococcus pyogenes. A throat culture is very accurate, but results take 24 to 48 hours.
Rapid Strep Test:
Results from this test are available in a matter of minutes. But compared to the throat culture, it is less specific. Due to its speed and ability to initiate treatment immediately, the rapid strep test is usually advised for young children (particularly those under 15). This test is not advised for adults over 45, as they may contain this bacteria without showing any symptoms.
Scarlet Fever Treatment: How to Get Better Fast
If the test is positive, the doctor starts the scarlet fever treatment immediately. You can expect the following from scarlet fever treatment:
Antibiotics
The first-line treatment for scarlet fever is either amoxicillin or penicillin. You will be prescribed a 10-day antibiotic course. Antibiotics help in reducing the symptoms of scarlet fever and prevent complications. If you are allergic to penicillin, alternative antibiotics such as first-generation cephalosporin, clindamycin, or erythromycin can be given.
Rest and Hydration
To stay hydrated and support the body's defences against the infection, consume a lot of liquids. Rest is equally vital because it speeds up the healing process of your immune system.
Prevent the Infection from Spreading
Scarlet fever spreads easily. To avoid infecting others, it's crucial to stay at home from work or school until you've taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
Preventing Scarlet Fever: Can It Be Avoided?
Scarlet fever cannot be prevented, but you can reduce the risk of getting it:
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Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based sanitiser if soap and water are not available.
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Scarlet fever spreads through cough droplets, so cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.
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Avoid sharing towels, cutlery, and other items, and disinfect frequently touched areas, such as worktops and doorknobs, to stop the spread of bacteria.
When to see a Doctor?
It's critical to see a doctor right away if you or your kid have symptoms like a high fever, sore throat, or rash. You can avoid serious complications and speed up your recovery with early antibiotic treatment. At Manipal Hospitals Bhubaneswar, our paediatricians and general practitioners are here to help you recognise and treat scarlet fever promptly.
Conclusion
Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that needs to be treated immediately to prevent further complications. You may ensure a speedy recovery and stop the illness from spreading by identifying the symptoms early and getting treatment. Do not hesitate to consult a doctor if you or a loved one show symptoms of scarlet fever. Antibiotics must be taken promptly if you want to recover quickly and maintain your health.
FAQ's
No, there is no available vaccine for scarlet fever. You can only prevent this infection by maintaining hygiene, washing hands regularly, avoiding close contact with infected persons, and covering your mouth and nose while coughing.
If scarlet fever is not treated, it can cause complications such as kidney infections, acute rheumatic fever, mastoiditis, sinus infections, pneumonia, or meningitis.
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After taking antibiotics, the fever and sore throat go away in 48 hours.
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Before peeling, the rash might stay for five to seven days.
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With the right care, the majority of people recover completely in one to two weeks.
After taking antibiotics for at least 24 hours and the fever has subsided without the need for fever-reducing medications, you or your kid can resume work or school.
Yes, however, children between the ages of 5 and 15 are more likely to have it. Adults who are frequently exposed or have weakened immune systems, such as parents, teachers, or healthcare professionals, may also contract the infection.
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