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Scarlet fever is one of the most common diseases among children. Another name for scarlet fever is scarlet fever. It is an infectious bacterial disease with a characteristic minor rash. Other symptoms of scarlet fever in children include high fever and sore throat. Scarlet fever requires the administration of an antibiotic.
Scarlet fever is an infectious disease that most often affects children. Treatment requires antibiotics. What should worry us? What are the symptoms of scarlet fever in children and adults?
Scarlet fever in children – characteristics
The cause of scarlet fever in children is group A streptococcus. It is a bacterial infectious disease that is dangerous especially in children. However, this does not mean that adults cannot catch it.
Scarlet fever is a disease that can recur several times in a lifetime. It happens that scarlet fever in children comes back very quickly. Its course can be very different. In some patients the course is very mild, in others it is very severe. Scarlet fever usually lasts 5 days. Treatment with antibiotics should be started as soon as possible, as soon as the first symptoms of the disease appear.
Scarlet fever in children – symptoms
Symptoms of scarlet fever in children include:
- faster than normal heart rate;
- sore throat;
- cough;
- vomiting;
- very high body temperature;
- headache.
These symptoms can be seen at the beginning of the disease. However, it should be remembered that scarlet fever in children can be very violent.
Other symptoms of scarlet fever include:
- enlargement and strong redness of the tonsils,
- raspberry shade of the tongue;
- tongue raid;
- enlarged lymph nodes;
- characteristic rash;
- baked goods;
- chills.
If the course of scarlet fever is very rapid, the symptoms are also much more serious. There are cardiovascular disorders, and even myocarditis, or enlargement of the liver and spleen.
Scarlet fever in children – a rash
A characteristic symptom of scarlet fever is a rash. The rash caused by scarlet fever is minor and appears around day 2-3 of the disease. The rash looks like a needle prick. It is located around the armpits and groin. It spreads throughout the body over time. The rash disappears after a few days, and after 14 days the skin on the soles of the hands and feet starts to peel off in a characteristic way.
Scarlet fever in children – treatment
Treatment of scarlet fever is based on the use of antibiotics and relieving any troublesome symptoms. During treatment, i.a. antipyretic drugs. Adequate fluid intake is an important part of treatment. Hospitalization is only necessary in the case of a very severe disease or complications.
Scarlet fever in children – complications
Scarlet fever is unfortunately not free from the risk of complications. In the case of falling ill, one should take into account, inter alia, With:
- inflammation of the lymph nodes;
- inflammation of the kidneys;
- sinusitis;
- otitis media;
- pneumonia;
- pericarditis;
- meningitis.
Avoiding complications after scarlet fever is possible if we follow the doctor’s instructions. Treatment with antibiotics should not be interrupted, and it is worth visiting a doctor as soon as you notice the first disturbing symptoms.
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