Scarlet Fever

Scarlet fever is an illness caused by group A streptococci (the same germs that cause strep throat). It spreads by contact with the droplets made when someone with scarlet fever coughs or sneezes. It usually affects kids from 5 to 15 years old. It can be spread to anyone but is more likely to be passed from class to class or between family members at home. It’s less common now than before antibiotics were available.Beyond the Red Rash: Complications and Prevention of Scarlet FeverMore info :https://biomedscan.ro/opt-indicatii-pentru-rmn-san-cu-substanta-contrast/

Symptoms usually start 1 to 3 days after getting the germs. They include a sore throat, fever (high temperature) and swollen tonsils and glands in the neck. Then a fine red rash develops on the skin. The rash looks like sunburn and feels like sandpaper. It’s more obvious on lighter skin. The skin around the mouth and nose may look flushed and there are sometimes hemorrhagic marks on the folds of the arms and legs (these are called Pastia-Grozovici signs). In some cases, the rash isn’t present at all – but the child will still feel unwell.

In the Shadow of History: Tracing the Evolution and Impact of Scarlet Fever

Doctors diagnose scarlet fever by doing a physical exam. They’ll also ask about symptoms like chills and body aches. They’ll take a swab from the throat to test for strep throat and to see if the bacteria are causing scarlet fever.

The treatment for scarlet fever is antibiotics, usually penicillin-based tablets taken two or three times a day for 10 days. This will make the symptoms go away faster and help prevent complications. It’s important to finish the course of medicine – even if the symptoms are gone – so all the germs are killed.