When we hear about scarlet fever OR scarlet fever for the first time it is normal that we get a little restless. Then, when we know that this disease commonly affects the little ones of the house, doubts begin to arise about how to protect them and what is the most appropriate if it can no longer be avoided.
In this sense, there is nothing more useful than knowing the diseases that could affect our children. Today we will talk of scarlet fever or scarlet fever.
What is scarlet fever?
As indicated The expertsscarlet fever or scarlet fever is a disease that It mainly affects children between the ages of 5 and 12. However, anyone can get it in adulthood. It is an infection caused by group A streptococci, the same bacteria that cause strep throat. These cause a reddish rash that gives the disease its name.
The causes of its appearance are as follows:
The main route of transmission is through infection Straight:
- When an infected child coughs, sneezes and even talkstheir saliva can come in contact with a healthy baby and transmit the infection.
- You also spread the bacteria by eating in the same containers as someone infected with group A strep.
- Contact with sores that occur on the skin It’s another form of transmission.
Scarlet fever was once a very serious childhood disease, but today it is easily treatable if treated early. But how to recognize it?
symptoms of scarlet fever
The time between the moment of infection and the appearance of the first symptoms It’s too short. Symptoms usually show up in a day or two.
- It starts with a high fever and sore throat.
- Then the toxins released by the bacteria They cause reddish rashes to appear on the neck and chest. Within a week they will spread throughout the body, forming sores.
- There is also redness in skin folds, such as armpits, elbows, groin, etc.
- The tongue may become dark and swollen with a whitish coating. I’m starting to have trouble getting food.
- Chills, abdominal and muscle pain, vomiting and general malaise are also common.
Early diagnosis of this disease is important through a physical exam and a strep test. This way, the necessary measures can be taken as soon as possible.
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Treatment of scarlet fever or scarlet fever
With proper treatment, scarlet fever should be cured quickly. Although it may take two to three weeks for the symptoms to go away completely. Administration of antibiotics is usual, feeding the patient soft food and plenty of fluids.
There is usually some scaling of the skin as the sores begin to fade. This mostly happens in the fingertips and groin. In some cases, scarlet fever can trigger serious health problems such as rheumatic fever, otitis media, kidney disorders, pneumonia and sinus infection.
The most important thing is to provide timely treatment to avoid any of these complications.
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