Scarlet fever

The name scarlet fever can alarm many parents who think it is a disease of the past. However, scarlet fever is nothing more than the infection of a bacterium called group A Streptococcus, being very frequent in children. The age group most affected are children between 5 and 18 years old.

The bacteria produce a toxin that causes a crimson or scarlet skin rash, hence its name scarlet fever.

It is an infection easily treatable with antibiotics and, in most cases, it is mild and heals without sequelae. The importance of correctly diagnosing and treating it is to avoid serious complications in the kidney, joints, lung and heart.

Symptoms

The most typical symptom is a pink, rough-textured rash such as “goose bumps” or sandpaper on the child's belly. Initially the skin appears red, as if it had been burned by the sun. It begins on the face and neck, respecting the area around the mouth and nose (nasolabial fold). In the folds, especially in the armpits and groin, the rash is more intense. The areas of the skin that present the rash turn white when pressed. On the sixth day after infection, the rash begins to subside, but the affected skin may begin to peel.

Skin symptoms can also be accompanied by other conditions that can help us confirm the diagnosis:

• Lymphadenopathy: inflammation of the cervical glands
• Throat pain
• Fever
• Fruity tongue: it may have a white-yellowish coating with prominence of the taste buds, which gives it a very peculiar appearance, similar to a raspberry.
• Shaking chills
• Joint pain
• nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite

Diagnosis and treatment

A rapid Streptococcal detection test or culture of tonsil secretions can be diagnosed with certainty.If an infection is confirmed, or there is a high suspicion that the child has scarlet fever, the pediatrician will give a An antibiotic that you will have to take for 10 days. It is recommended to keep the child at home, without going to school, for at least three days or until the fever stops, as it is a highly contagious disease.

Complications

In rare cases, scarlet fever can cause a skin infection called "", which is also caused by the bacteria.

Other complications of scarlet fever that are not treated with antibiotics can be:

• Rheumatic fever
• (inflammation of the kidneys)
• Otitis media
• Throat abscess
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For your peace of mind

When faced with certain symptoms, it is important to have the advice of a pediatrician who will attend to us when we need it, at any time of the day or night. It includes a 24-hour Pediatric Guidance Service in which they can attend any health consultation.

• It is an infection that causes a scarlet skin rash, first on the face and neck, which may be accompanied by cervical glands, sore throat, fever ...
• To know what measures to take in the face of these symptoms, it is effective to be able to consult a pediatrician, which is why many health insurances include a 24-hour service.
• It is easily treatable with antibiotics