Symptoms of scarlet fever

Signs and symptoms generally appear about 1-4 days after initial infection. The first symptoms of scarlet fever are usually:

§ A very sore and red throat (sometimes with white or yellowish patches).

§ A fever of 101 Fahrenheit (38.3 Celsius) or higher, frequently with chills. 12-48 hours later, the rash will appear.

§ Rash - red blotches appear on the skin; they then turn into a fine pink-red rash that looks like sunburn.

If a glass is pressed on the skin, the rash will turn white (blanche).

After about 6 days, the rash usually fades. In milder cases, such as scarlatina, the rash may be the only symptom.

Other potential symptoms of scarlet fever include:

Stomachache is a common symptom of scarlet fever.

§ Difficulty swallowing

§ General malaise

§ Headache

§ Itching

§ Loss of appetite

§ Nausea

§ Stomachache

§ Vomiting

If the patient has other symptoms, such as severe muscle aches, vomiting, or diarrhea, the doctor will need to rule out other possible causes, such as toxic shock syndrome.

The skin of the hands and feet will peel for up to 6 weeks after the rash has gone.

Risk factors for scarlet fever

§ Children aged 5-15 have a higher risk of developing scarlet fever compared with other age groups. Around 80 percent of cases occur in children under 10.

§ Close contact - the strep bacteria can spread more easily among people in close contact, for instance at school, home, or work.

Diagnosing scarlet fever

The characteristic rash and symptoms usually make it fairly easy for a doctor to diagnose scarlet fever. The doctor may take a throat swab to determine which bacteria caused the infection. Sometimes a blood test is also ordered.

In a rapid DNA test, a throat swab is taken. Results are returned in less than 24 hours.

Treatments for scarlet fever

The majority of mild cases of scarlet fever resolve themselves within a week without treatment, but it is important to get treatment as this will accelerate recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Patients generally recover about 4-5 days after treatment begins.

Antibiotics - a 10-day course of antibiotics is the most common treatment for scarlet fever. This normally involves taking oral penicillin. Patients who are allergic to penicillin may take erythromycin instead. Patients are advised to stay at home during the course of the antibiotic treatment.

The fever will usually go within 12-24 hours of taking the first antibiotic medication.

A child with scarlet fever may be prescribed one of the following antibiotics:

§ Penicillin, in pill form or by injection

§ Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox)

§ Azithromycin (Zithromax)

§ Clarithromycin (Biaxin)

§ Clindamycin (Cleocin)

§ A cephalosporin such as cephalexin (Keflex)

How to soothe scarlet fever at home

Although a visit to the doctors is essential, there are some ways to soothe symptoms at home. It is important to drink plenty of liquids, especially if there is no appetite, and the environment should be kept cool.

Tylenol (acetaminophen) may help relieve aches and pains, as well as bringing the fever down.

Calamine lotion can help with itchy skin.

Possible complications of scarlet fever

In the majority of cases, there are no complications; however, the following can occur:

§ Ear infection, including otitis media.

§ Pneumonia.

§ Throat abscess - a pus-filled sac in the throat.

§ Sinusitis.

§ Inflammation of the kidney(s)

§ Rheumatic fever.

§ Some skin infections.