Content

• Steps

Scarlet fever is a disease caused by the release of exotoxins of the streptococcal group Streptococcus A, a condition often associated with pharyngitis. About 10% of strep throat cases develop into this type of fever. Scarlet fever can cause many long-term complications if not treated promptly. If you begin to show signs of scarlet fever, see your doctor immediately for antibiotic treatment.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Signs of strep throat

1. 

   Watch for signs of a sore throat. Not all sore throats are caused by streptococcal infections, but most sore throats are a common sign of scarlet fever. Children will have difficulty or feel pain when swallowing. Symptoms of streptococcal infection are often seen in the tonsils located on the back of the child's throat. The throat becomes red, swollen, or even white as white patches or pus appears.

2. 

   
   
   General signs of the disease. Strep throat is also a cause of fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, headache, and fever. The neck area, especially the anterior area, will show signs of swollen lymph nodes.
   • Few people pay attention to the lymph nodes in their neck. But if they grow to a stage where you can see well, there's a chance you might have been infected. These lymph nodes are usually soft and red in color.

3. 

   
   
   See a doctor if a sore throat persists for more than 48 hours. Likewise, if the child has sore throats with swollen lymph nodes or a fever higher than 38 ° C also needs early treatment. advertisement

Method 2 of 3: Recognize the development of scarlet fever

1. 

   
   
   Body temperature gradually increases. If the disease is transitioning from pharyngitis to scarlet fever, your baby's temperature will begin to rise, sometimes up to 38 ° C or higher. Usually, children will experience fevers accompanied by heat and cold.
2. There are signs of impetigo. Sometimes scarlet fever is accompanied by scabies caused by a streptococcal bacteria and no sore throat. Impetigo usually develops around a child's mouth and nose with a red, swollen redness like blisters or pustules.

3. 

   Look for areas of redness. A characteristic sign when strep throat develops into scarlet fever is a red rash. They look like sunburns at first glance, rough, like sandpaper on contact. Over time the skin will turn a lighter color.
   • The erythema usually occurs around the face, neck, and chest (most commonly on the neck and chest), spreading down the abdomen, back, and a little on the arms and legs.
   • Areas of skin folds in children such as groin, armpits, elbows, knees and neck also show darker lines than redness.
   • Another symptom is that the skin around the lips turns pale.

4. 

   The tongue has many spots like strawberry seeds. This symptom forms when the taste buds on the tongue widen. Initially, the tongue will be covered with a white layer. After a few days, red particles appear on the tongue.

5. 

   There are signs of skin peeling. When the erythema begins to fade, the baby's skin will flake off just like after a sunburn. Be careful because that doesn't mean the disease is gone. You still need medical intervention to get the treatment going.

6. 

   See a doctor immediately. See a doctor if they have a rash with fever or sore throat. Although scarlet fever is easy to treat with antibiotics, if not intervened in time, it will leave many complications.
   • If left untreated, scarlet fever can cause kidney disease, skin infection, ear infection, throat abscess, pneumonia, arthritis, heart and nervous system (rheumatoid) problems.
   advertisement

Method 3 of 3: Recognize risk of infection

1. 

   Pay more attention to children. Scarlet fever usually occurs in children between the ages of 5 and 15 years. When children in this age group show symptoms of typhus fever, they should see their doctor as soon as possible.

2. 

   Be careful with children with weak immune systems. If your child has a bacterial infection or some other disease that weakens the immune system, they will easily become infected, such as scarlet fever.

3. 

   Note to crowded environments. The pathogenic bacteria usually reside in the nose and throat, and are spread through fluids when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If you or your child comes into contact with objects contaminated with this liquid, it is easy to get sick and get scarlet fever, especially in crowded areas.
   • Children are susceptible to infection, so schools are a special place where many pathogens live.

4. 

   Take preventive measures to limit the spread of the disease. Children should wash their hands often and do not share utensils, towels or personal items with others. It is still possible for a person to be contagious even after symptoms have gone.
   • Anyone diagnosed with scarlet fever should not go outside for at least 24 hours immediately after starting antibiotic treatment.
   advertisement