Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is a disease caused by a group of streptococcus A. This bacteria produces a toxin that causes red rashes, so the disease is called scarlet fever.

Wash your hands often if you have to take care of sick children

Not all streptococci produce this toxin and not all babies are infected. It is possible that both children in the same family are infected with the bacteria, but a child (usually a child who is susceptible to poisoning) can develop into scarlet fever while the other child does not.

Symptoms of the disease

The rash is the clearest sign of scarlet fever. It usually starts with small spots like sunburn, swelling and itching. The rash usually appears first in the neck and back and usually does not affect the areas around the mouth.

It spreads from the chest and back, then spreads to the rest of the body. In the body bends, especially in the armpits and elbows, the board forms fixed red marks. In other parts, the board often turns white when you press them. The board will lighten on the sixth day after infection.

In addition to the rash, other common symptoms also help to identify scarlet fever, including red and sore throat, fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 ^o C), swollen glands in the neck. The tonsils and the back of the throat may be covered with a white, red, swollen, and whiteish spots or yellowish pus. Children with scarlet fever may also have chills, body aches, vomiting and picky eating.

When scarlet fever occurs due to a sore throat, the fever stops for 3-5 days, and the sore throat is gone soon after. The rash usually subsides after the first 6 days of symptoms start, but the skin is covered with rash. This peeling process may last 10 days. If treated with antibiotics, it usually resolves within 1 week, but it may take a few weeks for the tonsils and swollen glands to return to normal.

In some cases (rare), erythema can develop into impetigo that causes skin infections, also caused by streptococcus. In these cases, the child may not have a sore throat.

Preventing scarlet fever

Children with scarlet fever can spread the bacteria to others through fluid from the nose and throat when sneezing or coughing. If a child has a skin infection caused by streptococcal bacteria such as impetigo, it can be spread by contact with the skin.

In everyday life, there is no absolute measure to avoid infections that can lead to erythema. When children get sick at home, the safest way is for them to use their own utensils to eat, drink . and wash them in hot soapy water. Wash your hands often if you have to take care of sick children.

Treatment of scarlet fever

If the child is identified with scarlet fever, the doctor will give the child antibiotics for about 10 days. They can also prescribe medications for skin rashes .

WALL VY