What Is Scarlet Fever?

Scarlet fever is a type of disease caused by the group A streptococci. It generally starts as a sore throat, and can quickly cause an infection throughout the throat and the rest of the body. Scarlet fever targets school-aged children between the ages of five and 15, but can affect anyone at any age. While the disease itself is not considered life-threatening, it can lead to other complications in the body if not treated promptly. On a positive note, once you develops scarlet fever, you generally build an immunity from the disease.

How Is Scarlet Fever Contracted?

Scarlett fever generally starts off as a bad cough or sore throat; this is the time when the carrier is most contagious. When children are in close contact with each other, they are likely to unknowingly spread germs and bacteria, especially if they are not showing any symptoms yet. This could be from sharing items such as school supplies or food at lunch. Door handles and playground equipment are also common culprits of contracting scarlet fever.

Preventative Measures

There are several ways to prevent contracting and spreading scarlet fever. The first is proper hand washing techniques. Making sure that hands are washed thoroughly will prevent the spread of germs into the mouth and the nose. Teaching children how to properly use hand sanitizer can also be a substitution when water and soap is not readily available. Instructing children not to share straws, food, lip gloss or other personal items will also help prevent the spread of scarlet fever.
For someone who is already infected or suspects she may be, seeking prompt medical care is essential. This will help to prevent further infection and the spread of the disease throughout the body and to other people. Once a child is being treated with an antibiotic, she will be able to return to school or daycare 24 hours after the initial antibiotic dosage.

Rash

An easily recognized sign that one may be suffering from scarlet fever is a tell tale rash, which appears on the neck and face, and can also spread to body creases. This rash resembles a sunburn and has tiny red bumps that may feel like sandpaper to the touch. The bumps may itch and feel uncomfortable. If the reddened skin is touched, it will appear white then quickly turn back to red. After scarlet fever has run its course---generally six days---the skin may begin to peel.

Other Symptoms

There are several symptoms aside of the rash that occur with scarlet fever, such as a sore throat. The back of the throat may appear to be red, and the tonsils and the back of throat may be white or dotted with specks of pus or a yellowish coating. The tongue can even be white in the early stages. A fever is another common symptom. Fevers can spike rapidly and reach well above 101 degrees F. Vomiting, loss of appetite and body chills are also prevalent.

Complications

There are complications that may arise if scarlet fever progresses or medical attention is not sought. If the fever gets too high, it can begin to damage internal organs such as the brain or the heart. Antibiotic therapy treatments of erythromycin, cephalosporin and penicillin are usually prescribed. Skin infections such as impetigo can develop from scarlet fever as well. Impetigo is a type of skin infection caused by staph, in which small crusted sores develop on the body and ooze fluid.