Scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina, is a bacterial infection that primarily affects children, although it can occur in adults as well. It’s characterized by a distinctive red rash, sore throat, and fever. While scarlet fever was once a serious childhood illness, it is now easily treatable with antibiotics. Recognizing the symptoms early is crucial for prompt treatment and preventing potential complications.
The initial symptoms of scarlet fever often mimic the flu, making early detection challenging. These early signs can include:
- High Temperature (Fever): A sudden fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher is common.
- Sore Throat: Pain and discomfort when swallowing, often accompanied by red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white or yellow patches.
- Swollen Neck Glands: Enlarged and tender lymph nodes in the neck, which can feel like lumps on the sides of your neck.
The Characteristic Scarlet Fever Rash
One of the hallmark signs of scarlet fever is the rash, which typically appears 12 to 48 hours after the initial symptoms. The rash has a distinctive sandpaper-like texture and appearance:
- Appearance: The rash looks like tiny, raised bumps on the skin.
- Location: It usually starts on the chest and abdomen before spreading to other parts of the body, including the arms and legs.
- Texture: The skin with the rash feels rough to the touch, similar to sandpaper.
- Color: On lighter skin tones, the rash appears pink or red. On darker skin tones, the color change might be more subtle, but the raised bumps and rough texture are still palpable.
It’s important to note that while the rash is widespread on the body, it typically spares the face, although the cheeks may appear flushed or red. This facial redness can be less noticeable on darker skin tones.
Strawberry Tongue: Another Key Symptom
Another distinctive symptom of scarlet fever is the “strawberry tongue.” This refers to changes in the appearance of the tongue throughout the illness:
- Initial Stage: The tongue may initially develop a white coating.
- Later Stage: This white coating peels away, revealing a red, swollen tongue covered in small bumps, resembling a strawberry.
Other Symptoms and Considerations
- Peeling Skin: As the rash fades, the skin may peel, similar to what happens after sunburn.
- Facial Flushing: While the rash avoids the face, the cheeks may become red and flushed.
- Symptoms in Adults: Scarlet fever symptoms are generally the same in both children and adults, although the infection is less common in adults.
Seeking Medical Advice and Diagnosis
If you or your child exhibits symptoms of scarlet fever, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. It’s advisable to contact your doctor’s office before visiting to inform them of the suspected scarlet fever, as scarlet fever is highly contagious. They may recommend a phone consultation to prevent further spread of infection.
Diagnosis of scarlet fever typically involves a physical examination. Doctors often can diagnose scarlet fever by observing the characteristic rash and strawberry tongue. In some cases, to confirm the diagnosis, they might perform:
- Throat Swab: A cotton swab is gently used to collect a sample from the back of the throat. This sample is tested to identify the presence of Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, the bacteria responsible for scarlet fever.
- Blood Test: Occasionally, a blood test may be conducted, although it’s less common for diagnosing scarlet fever.
Treatment for Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin or amoxicillin, which are effective in killing the bacteria causing the infection. Antibiotics are crucial for:
- Speeding Recovery: Antibiotics help to shorten the duration of the illness and alleviate symptoms more quickly.
- Preventing Complications: Treatment significantly reduces the risk of developing serious complications associated with scarlet fever.
- Reducing Transmission: Antibiotics minimize the likelihood of spreading the infection to others.
It is critical to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor, even if you start feeling better. Stopping antibiotics prematurely can lead to a recurrence of the infection or contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Self-Care Measures to Relieve Symptoms
While antibiotics work to eliminate the bacterial infection, you can take several steps at home to alleviate the symptoms of scarlet fever:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of cool fluids to prevent dehydration, especially if you have a fever.
- Soft Foods: If you have a sore throat, opt for soft, easy-to-swallow foods to minimize discomfort.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (paracetamol) can help reduce fever and pain. Avoid giving aspirin to children under 16 years of age.
- Relieve Itching: Calamine lotion or antihistamine tablets can help soothe itchy skin associated with the rash.
Duration and Contagiousness of Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever typically lasts about one week with antibiotic treatment. Without antibiotics, the infection can last longer, and the risk of complications increases.
Scarlet fever is highly contagious and spreads easily through respiratory droplets, such as those produced when coughing or sneezing, and through direct contact with an infected person. A person with scarlet fever remains contagious until 24 hours after starting antibiotics. If left untreated with antibiotics, contagiousness can last for 2 to 3 weeks after symptoms begin.
To prevent spreading scarlet fever, it is crucial to:
- Stay Home: Stay away from nursery, school, or work for at least 24 hours after the first dose of antibiotics.
- Practice Hand Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing and before eating.
- Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and dispose of used tissues promptly in a bin.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Do not share utensils, cups, towels, clothing, or bedding with others, especially while contagious.
Potential Complications of Scarlet Fever
While scarlet fever is generally mild and treatable with antibiotics, complications can occur, though they are less common today due to effective treatment. Potential complications can arise during or in the weeks following the infection and may include:
- Rheumatic Fever: A serious inflammatory condition that can affect the heart, joints, brain, and skin.
- Kidney Problems (Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis): Inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units.
- Ear Infections
- Sinus Infections
- Pneumonia
- Skin Infections
It’s crucial to seek medical attention if new symptoms develop or if symptoms worsen after scarlet fever treatment, as these could indicate a complication.
Scarlet Fever and Pregnancy
There is no evidence to suggest that scarlet fever during pregnancy will harm the baby. However, it can make the pregnant person feel unwell. It is advisable to avoid close contact with anyone known to have scarlet fever during pregnancy. If you develop symptoms of scarlet fever while pregnant, consult your doctor. Many antibiotics commonly used to treat scarlet fever are safe to take during pregnancy.
Conclusion
Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that, while once a serious concern, is now readily treatable with antibiotics. Early recognition of symptoms like sore throat, fever, characteristic rash, and strawberry tongue is vital for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Completing the prescribed course of antibiotics and practicing good hygiene are key to recovery and preventing the spread of infection and potential complications. If you suspect you or your child has scarlet fever, seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and management.
