9 months
What is scarlet fever? What causes it and how to treat it?
Apr 7, 2014
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Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that develops in some people who have strep throat.scarlet fever features a bright red rash that covers most of the body. Scarlet fever is almost always accompanied by a sore throat and a high fever. in some people who have strep throat. Scarlet fever is most common in children 5 to 15 years of age. Although scarlet fever was once considered a serious childhood illness, antibiotic treatments have made it less threatening. Still, if left untreated, scarlet fever can result in more-serious conditions that affect the heart, kidneys and other parts of the body.
The signs and symptoms
red rash
red lines
flushed face
strawberry tongue
The rash and the redness in the face and tongue usually last about a week. Other signs and symptoms
Fever of 101 F (38.3 C) or higher, often with chills
Very sore and red throat, 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 is caused by the same type of bacteria that cause strep throat. In scarlet fever, the bacteria release a toxin that produces the rash and red tongue.
The infection spreads from person to person via droplets expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes
If your child has scarlet fever, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. Make sure your child completes the full course of medication. Failure to follow the treatment guidelines may not completely eliminate the infection and will increase your child's risk of developing complications.
Your child can return to school when he or she has taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours and no longer has a fever
The signs and symptoms
red rash
red lines
flushed face
strawberry tongue
The rash and the redness in the face and tongue usually last about a week. Other signs and symptoms
Fever of 101 F (38.3 C) or higher, often with chills
Very sore and red throat, 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 is caused by the same type of bacteria that cause strep throat. In scarlet fever, the bacteria release a toxin that produces the rash and red tongue.
The infection spreads from person to person via droplets expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes
If your child has scarlet fever, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. Make sure your child completes the full course of medication. Failure to follow the treatment guidelines may not completely eliminate the infection and will increase your child's risk of developing complications.
Your child can return to school when he or she has taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours and no longer has a fever
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