WHAT IS SCARLET FEVER?Scarlet feverScarlet fever is a childhood illness in which a rash appears all over the body, consisting of small red spots and bumps. It is caused by a bacterium called beta-hemolytic streptococcus ( Streptococcus pyogenes ). This streptococcus often causes a throat infection with symptoms such as a sore throat or fever. The bacteria produce toxins, and the rash is a reaction to these toxins. Scarlet fever is one of the rash-like illnesses that children often get in succession at a young age, such as measles, rubella, fifth disease, and sixth disease. It is contagious; other children in the neighborhood can also get it. The medical name for scarlet fever is scarlatina , and in English it is called "scarlet fever."
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scarlet fever |
strawberry tongue |
Photos: Estreya and SyntGrisha - Wikimedia (Creative Commons License 4.0 ).
WHAT DOES SCARLET FEVER LOOK LIKE?Scarlet fever is most commonly seen in young children aged 3 to 6 years and usually develops after a throat infection. Children have a sore throat, sometimes feel a bit sick or lethargic, and may have a fever. The throat is red, the tonsils may be swollen, and the tongue is often red and has white spots. This resembles a strawberry, hence the name "strawberry tongue." Two to seven days after the infection, small red spots and bumps appear all over the body. These are mainly found in the folds (neck, armpits, groin, inner thighs, elbow creases) and on the chest. Sometimes the spots merge, and the entire body becomes slightly red. Small, hard bumps may appear, making the skin feel like sandpaper. The spots also appear on the face, especially the cheeks, but the area around the nose and mouth often remains clear. The rash lasts 3-5 days and then disappears. The skin on the hands and feet, especially the fingertips, may later start to peel. Much later, lines may appear in the nail.HOW DOES SCARLET FEVER OCCUR?Scarlet fever is caused by an infection with the bacterium beta-hemolytic streptococcus group A ( Streptococcus pyogenes ). This bacterium causes a variety of infections, primarily throat infections (angina) and respiratory infections in young children, and primarily skin infections and wound infections later in life. The bacteria enter the body through the mouth and nose, via infected droplets that are released into the air when someone with a streptococcal infection sneezes or coughs. They can also be transmitted via the hands or via contaminated clothing or other materials. Symptoms begin 2 to 7 days after the bacteria enter the body. The bacteria produce toxins, and the rash is a reaction to these toxins. A person with scarlet fever is contagious from the first symptoms, even before the spots appear. This lasts until the skin peeling stops.IS SCARLET FEVER DANGEROUS?Scarlet fever is usually not dangerous. The infection is usually mild, with symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, and listlessness (feeling sick and weak). However, complications caused by the bacteria can occur, such as blood poisoning, pneumonia, meningitis, kidney problems, and rheumatic fever. Fortunately, these complications are very rare. Serious complications such as meningitis or sepsis require hospital treatment.HOW IS SCARLET FEVER TREATED?Scarlet fever resolves spontaneously; if children are not severely ill, they do not need antibiotics. If there are more serious symptoms, such as a severe sore throat, high fever, or swollen tonsils, it is advisable to start taking antibiotics. Antibiotics reduce symptoms, shorten the duration of the illness, and can also prevent the infection from spreading to other children.
Scarlet fever is usually treated with penicillin antibiotics such as pheneticillin or amoxicillin. If you are allergic to penicillins, other antibiotics such as azithromycin, clarithromycin, or clindamycin can also be given.CAN SOMEONE WITH SCARLET FEVER GO TO SCHOOL OR WORK?If a child feels well, they can go to daycare, preschool, or school as usual. Scarlet fever is contagious even before the spots appear. Staying home doesn't prevent others from getting sick. Does your child have scarlet fever? Tell the childcare provider or teacher. They can, in consultation with the Municipal Health Service (GGD), inform other parents. Parents can then watch for their child's scarlet fever symptoms.
An adult with scarlet fever who feels well can work normally. Do you work in healthcare? Then you must first consult with your employer before returning to work.WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF A SCARLET FEVER EPIDEMIC?If a large number of children in a class suddenly develop scarlet fever (more than 3 cases in a month), or if there are cases with serious consequences such as kidney damage or rheumatism, then one option is to check all children and family members for signs of infection and treat them with antibiotics to prevent further spread. |
