Scarlet Fever Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that can occur in some people who have a bacterial infection in the throat due to Streptococcus. Also known as scarlet fever, scarlet fever is generally characterized by a bright red rash that appears on almost any part of the body. Scarlet fever is almost always accompanied by a sore throat and high fever.
Scarlet fever is generally found in children aged 5–15 years. Although once characterized as a serious childhood illness, the use of antibiotics in the treatment of this disease has made it more manageable. However, if you don’t get treatment, scarlet fever can cause several complications that affect the performance of the heart, kidneys, and other parts of the body.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms that can arise in a person suffering from scarlet fever are:
- Red rash. The red rash that occurs with this condition can resemble a sun rash and is rough to the touch. Generally, the rash starts on the face or neck and spreads to the trunk, arms, and legs. If you apply pressure to the part of the skin that is experiencing redness, the skin will appear pale.
- Redline. Skin folds, especially in the groin, armpit folds, elbows, knees, and neck can appear reddish in color which is darker than other parts of the skin.
- Facial redness The face may appear reddish with pallor around the mouth.
- Strawberry tongue or strawberry tongue. The tongue appears red and mottled, which sometimes has a white coating over it in the early stages of the disease.
Redness and rash on the face and tongue generally last for about a week. After these signs and symptoms begin to subside, the skin with the rash often peels off.
Other signs and symptoms associated with scarlet fever are:
- Fever with a body temperature of 38.3 C or higher, often accompanied by chills
- Soreness and redness of the throat, sometimes accompanied by white or yellowish spots
- Difficulty swallowing
- Enlarged lymph nodes around the neck that can be felt
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
Reason
Scarlet fever is caused by the same type of bacteria that causes strep throat, or strep throat, due to Streptococcus. In scarlet fever, the bacteria produce toxins that cause skin rashes and redness of the tongue.
The infection can be transmitted from one individual to another through droplets that spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The incubation period, which is the time between exposure to the cause and onset of symptoms, is generally two to four days.
Children aged 5–15 years have a higher chance than adults of having scarlet fever. The bacteria that cause this condition spread more easily to individuals with whom they have frequent contacts, such as family members or classmates.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of scarlet fever is generally made based on a detailed medical interview, direct physical examination, and certain supporting examinations if needed. During a physical examination, the doctor will examine the condition of the throat, tonsils, and tongue.
In addition, the doctor will also feel the neck to check if there are enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and assess the appearance and texture of the skin rashes that arise.
If the doctor suspects that the fever that arises is due to a throat infection, a supporting examination can be carried out in the form of a throat swab to take tissue that can contain Streptococcus bacteria. Examination of tissue swabs is important to identify the cause because there are many conditions that can cause signs and symptoms of scarlet fever, which may require different treatments.
Treatment
In someone who has scarlet fever, the doctor can give medication to relieve the various symptoms they are experiencing. For example, the administration of anti-fever drugs to treat complaints of fever, anti-inflammatory drugs to treat complaints of sore throat, and so on.
The doctor will also prescribe antibiotics, which must be used as directed. Not spending antibiotics as recommended can cause the infection not to be completely eliminated and can increase the risk of complications. Apart from that, it must also be ensured that people who have scarlet fever get enough fluids, so as to prevent dehydration or lack of fluids.
Prevention
Several prevention strategies that can be taken to avoid scarlet fever are similar to the general infection alert strategy, namely:
- Wash hands regularly. Washing your hands regularly with running water and soap can help prevent infection.
- Do not share cutlery. Cutlery such as spoons, forks, knives, and drinking glasses should not be used by more than one individual before cleaning, because this can promote infection transmission.
- Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing can prevent the potential for transmitting germs to other individuals who are around.