Scarlet fever is a disease caused by a toxin produced by group A Streptococcus bacteria, which is commonly associated with strep infection or strep throat. About 10% of strep infections turn into scarlet fever. Scarlet fever can cause lifelong illness if left untreated. If signs of scarlet fever begin to appear, you should see a doctor immediately to receive antibiotics.
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Method 1 of 3: Recognizing a Strep Infection
Step 1. Watch for sore throat
Not all sore throats are caused by the strep bacteria, but sore throats are the most common symptom of a strep infection. Watch for sore throat and difficulty or pain when swallowing. The effects of a strep infection are often seen on the tonsils at the back of your child's throat. The tonsils may be red and swollen and may even appear white patches or show signs of pus.
Step 2. Watch for general signs of disease
Strep infection is also known to cause fatigue, abdominal pain, vomiting, headache, and fever. A strep infection can also cause swollen lymph nodes: large, raised bumps on the neck, usually located at the front of the neck.
Under normal circumstances, you shouldn't be able to feel your lymph nodes. If the lymph nodes have grown to the point that you can feel them, you likely have an infection. Lymph nodes may also be tender and reddish in color
Step 3. See a doctor if sore throat persists for more than 48 hours
Also pay attention to whether your child's sore throat is accompanied by swollen lymph nodes or if he has a fever higher than 38.3 °C.
Method 2 of 3: Recognizing the Growth of Scarlatine Fever
Step 1. Be aware of rising body temperature
If the disease progresses from a strep infection to Scarlatina fever, your child's temperature will often rise. Scarlet fever is generally accompanied by a body temperature of 38.3 °C or higher. Sometimes your child will have chills with a fever.
Step 2. Watch out for impetigo
Sometimes scarlet fever can occur with a Streptococcal skin infection called impetigo, and not with a sore throat. Impetigo causes redness, bumps, blisters or pus on the skin, usually on a child's face, around the mouth and nose.
Step 3. Look for a red rash
A characteristic sign that strep bacteria have developed into Scarlatina fever is a red rash. These will look like sunburn marks and feel rough to the touch, like sandpaper. If the skin is pressed, it may have a slightly paler hue.
- The rash usually starts around the face, neck and chest (most commonly the neck and chest), then spreads to the abdomen and back, and less often to the arms and legs.
- Along the folds of skin on your child's groin, armpits, elbows, knees, and neck, there may be lines with a reddish hue that is sharper than other rashes.
- It is common to have circles of pale skin around the lips.
Step 4. Watch for symptoms of strawberry tongue
This occurs due to the enlargement of the taste buds on the tongue. At first, the taste buds will be covered by a white coating. After a few days, the tongue will generally appear to have red bumps.
Step 5. Watch for peeling skin
As the red rash begins to fade, your child's skin may start to peel off like after a sunburn. Beware; it does not mean the disease is gone. You should still seek medical help.
Step 6. See a doctor immediately
Take your child to see a doctor whenever his skin turns red with a fever and/or sore throat. Although scarlet fever can be easily treated with antibiotics, if left untreated, it can lead to various complications.
If left untreated, scarlet fever can cause kidney disease, skin or ear infections, throat abscesses, lung infections, arthritis, liver disorders and disorders of the nervous system (rheumatic fever)
Method 3 of 3: Knowing the Risk Factors
Step 1. Be careful with children
Scarlet fever is most likely to affect children between the ages of 5 and 15. When someone in this age range starts to have the symptoms of scarlet fever, you should especially be careful and take him to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Step 2. Be careful if your child's immune system is weakened
If your child has had an infection or other illness that weakens his immune system, he will be susceptible to bacterial infections such as scarlet fever.
Step 3. Be careful when in a crowded environment
The bacteria that causes scarlet fever live in the nose and throat and are transferred by contact with fluids that are spread by coughing and sneezing. If you or your child touches an object that someone coughs or sneezes on, you are susceptible to the disease that causes scarlet fever. This is most likely to happen in a crowded environment.
Since children are most susceptible to this disease, schools in particular are public places where children are exposed to the disease
Step 4. Make sure you take precautions to limit the spread of the infection
Your child should wash his hands frequently and refrain from sharing his utensils, rags, towels, or personal belongings with others. A person can transmit the disease even after the symptoms have stopped.
