What is Scarlet Fever?
Scarlet fever is an incredibly infectious condition. The infection still exists, but is nowhere near as common as it once was. This is due to the medicines that are given, usually to children, in order to combat the infection.
Scarlet fever is caused by bacteria called haemolytic streptococci. It occurs after throat or skin conditions such as strep throat. Strep infections are commonly treated with antibiotics that also combat scarlet fever.
Also known by the name scarletina, scarlet fever most commonly occurs in children between the ages of four and eight years old. However, people of any age can catch scarlet fever. The infection is airborne, which means that it can be passed through the air by way of bacteria in sneezes and coughs. Although the infection is very contagious, the illness that occurs if infected is usually very mild. Symptoms of scarlet fever present themselves within two to four days of becoming infected.
Scarlet fever symptoms often begin with a sore throat. The main symptom is a red rash appearing over the body. The rash will be rough to the touch, similar to sandpaper. The rash has been known to spread over the entire body, but commonly affects the face, neck, chest, and groin area.
The scarlet fever rash does not usually show on the face, but the cheek area will become pink and flushed. The area around the mouth will stay quite pale. A quick check for scarlet fever is to press a glass to the red area. The red area will turn white when the pressure of the glass is applied.
There are a few other symptoms that accompany the scarlet fever infection. These can include headaches and a general feeling of illness. The sufferer may also experience loss of appetite and pain in the abdominal area. The glands in the neck may become swollen, and nausea or vomiting may also occur.
Other symptoms of scarlet fever to look out for are a white coating appearing over the tongue. This may disappear after a few days and leave the tongue swollen and red. Broken blood vessels may also occur over the body, usually in area such as the armpit.
The scarlet fever rash usually lasts for around a week and then fades away. It usually disappears without the need for treatment. However, treatment is advised in order to eliminate any complications and speed the recovery process. Treatment usually consists of ten days of antibiotics, usually an oral penicillin medication. Any fever will normally disappear within 24 hours of starting medication.
Written by Garry Crystal
