If a glass is pressed on the skin, the rash will turn white (blanche).

After about 6 days, the rash usually fades. In milder cases, such as scarlatina, the rash may be the only symptom.

Other potential symptoms of scarlet fever include:

Stomachache is a common symptom of scarlet fever.

§ Difficulty swallowing

§ General malaise

§ Headache

§ Itching

§ Loss of appetite

§ Nausea

§ Stomachache

§ Vomiting

If the patient has other symptoms, such as severe muscle aches, vomiting, or diarrhea, the doctor will need to rule out other possible causes, such as toxic shock syndrome.

The skin of the hands and feet will peel for up to 6 weeks after the rash has gone.

Risk factors for scarlet fever

§ Children aged 5-15 have a higher risk of developing scarlet fever compared with other age groups. Around 80 percent of cases occur in children under 10.

§ Close contact - the strep bacteria can spread more easily among people in close contact, for instance at school, home, or work.

Diagnosing scarlet fever

The characteristic rash and symptoms usually make it fairly easy for a doctor to diagnose scarlet fever. The doctor may take a throat swab to determine which bacteria caused the infection. Sometimes a blood test is also ordered.

In a rapid DNA test, a throat swab is taken. Results are returned in less than 24 hours.

Treatments for scarlet fever

The majority of mild cases of scarlet fever resolve themselves within a week without treatment, but it is important to get treatment as this will accelerate recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Patients generally recover about 4-5 days after treatment begins.

Antibiotics - a 10-day course of antibiotics is the most common treatment for scarlet fever. This normally involves taking oral penicillin. Patients who are allergic to penicillin may take erythromycin instead. Patients are advised to stay at home during the course of the antibiotic treatment.

The fever will usually go within 12-24 hours of taking the first antibiotic medication.

A child with scarlet fever may be prescribed one of the following antibiotics:

§ Penicillin, in pill form or by injection

§ Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox)

§ Azithromycin (Zithromax)

§ Clarithromycin (Biaxin)

§ Clindamycin (Cleocin)

§ A cephalosporin such as cephalexin (Keflex)

How to soothe scarlet fever at home

Although a visit to the doctors is essential, there are some ways to soothe symptoms at home. It is important to drink plenty of liquids, especially if there is no appetite, and the environment should be kept cool.

Tylenol (acetaminophen) may help relieve aches and pains, as well as bringing the fever down.

Calamine lotion can help with itchy skin.

Possible complications of scarlet fever

In the majority of cases, there are no complications; however, the following can occur:

§ Ear infection, including otitis media.

§ Pneumonia.

§ Throat abscess - a pus-filled sac in the throat.

§ Sinusitis.

§ Inflammation of the kidney(s)

§ Rheumatic fever.

§ Some skin infections.

Preventing scarlet fever

The best prevention strategies for scarlet fever, as with all highly infectious diseases, are:

§ Isolation - keep the patient away from other people. Keep the child away from school.

§ Handkerchiefs or tissues that the patient has used should be washed or disposed of immediately. If you have touched any of these wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap.

§ Handwashing - the patient, usually a child, should be taught to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently.

§ Dining utensils - do not share drinking glasses or eating utensils with the patient.

§ Coughing and sneezing - the patient should be taught to cover their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.

SayitinEnglish

Скарлатина, вызывать, главным образом поражает детей, привести к серьезным осложнениям, если запустить (оставить без внимания), выделять, от человека к человеку, зараженный человек, совместное использование полотенца, загрязненные продукты питания, похож на солнечный ожег, анализ крови, самое обычное лечение при скарлатине, может быть прописано, воспаление почек изоляция, не подпускать, носовой платок, мытье рук,

In pairs, discuss the questions:

1. What are some fast facts on scarlet fever?

2. What causes of scarlet fever do you know?

3. What are the first symptoms of this infectious disease?

4. How can a doctor diagnose scarlet fever?

5. What are some ways of its prevention?