Scarlet Fever

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Scarlet Fever
By Tony Gleason
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Background
What is Scarlet Fever? Scarlet Fever is a
disease caused by group A streptococcus. This is
the same bacteria that causes Strep throat.
Scarlet Fever is a rash that sometimes occurs in
people that have strep throat. The Rash of
Scarlet Fever is usually seen in children under
the age of 18.
How do you get Scarlet Fever? Scarlet Fever can
be caught from other people if you come in
contact with the sick person Because this germ
is carried in the mouth and nasal fluids. If you
happen to touch your nose or Eyes after touching
something that has these fluids on them, it is
possible for you to become ill. Also if you
drink from the same glass or eat from the same
plate as a sick person it is also possible For
you to contract Scarlet Fever.
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Timeline of Disease
Beginning of Infection The mucous membranes
usually are bright red, small and red papular
Lesions are usually present on the soft
palate. First Days of Infection The tongue is
heavily coated with a white membrane through
which red Papillae protrude. (Also known as
White Strawberry Tongue) 4 or 5 Days into
Infection The white membrane fades off,
generally revealing a shiny red tongue With
prominent papillae (red strawberry tongue) Also
If disease originates in tonsils they
will Generally be red The cutaneous rash usually
lasts about 4 to 5 days but can be longer
depending on the severity of The eruption.
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Mortality/Morbidity
Historically, scarlet fever results in death
15-20 of the time but since the Invention of
antibiotic therapy the mortality rate has been
less then 1. Morbidity and Mortality is usually
minimal although there are many
known Complications such as septicemia or
rheumatic fever which should be Considered on a
case by case basis. Localized soft tissue
infections may suggest The presence of
underlying osteomyelitis. When scarlet fever has
been determined To be due to a soft tissue
infection over or near bone, a bone evaluation
should be Considered.
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Signs and Symptoms
In Scarlet Fever, a skin rash generally appears
in a child who has an infection caused by Group A
streptococci bacteria. The infection is very
similar to that of the strep throat Infection.
The Scarlet Fever infection can also resemble
impetigo, a skin infection that can Be caused by
streptococci. The rash of Scarlet Fever usually
begins as a bad sunburn with tiny bumps and may
itch But can quickly escalate into a rash on the
face or neck which often leaves a clear
uninfected Area around the mouth. Scarlet Fever
then spreads to the chest and back, then to the
rest of The body. In body creases, especially
around the underarms the rash forms red streaks
Which are known as pasta lines. By the sixth day
the rash usually begins to fade by the skin may
peel depending on the Severity of the infection.
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Signs and Symptoms
Continued
A rash is the most common symptom of Scarlet
Fever although there are others. Scarlet fever
Usually begins with a reddened throat and a
temperature of at least 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
The child will also have swollen glands and look
ill. The tonsils of back of the throat may be
Covered with a whitish coating, or appear red.
Children with Scarlet fever may also
experience Chills.
Other Less Common Symptoms

• Body Aches
• Loss of Appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting

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Prevention
In everyday life there is no perfect way to avoid
the strep infections that cause Scarlet Fever.
When someone at home is sick with strep throat
its always safest to keep drinking glasses and
Eating utensils separate from infected family
members, and to wash these items thoroughly
in Hot soapy water. Also wash your hands
frequently as you care for your infected child.
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Home Treatment
When a child is sick with Scarlet Fever due to a
strep throat infection it is smart to isolate
Him from other family members especially
infants, or young children. A child with the
Scarlet Fever infection may find eating to be
very painful. Soft foods and plenty of liquids
will make Eating easier. It would also help to
include soothing foods such as teas, soups, cold
soft drinks, Or milk shakes. Children who are
able to gargle should gargle with salty water, or
double strength tea. It is Also important to use
a humidifier to produce fresh air in the house.
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Professional Treatment
If your childs doctor suspects that your child
has Scarlet Fever due to a strep throat
infection, He or she will usually take a throat
culture. This test will confirm whether or not
your child has Scarlet Fever and if you are
diagnosed your doctor would most likely order a
full course Antibiotic treatment such a
penicillin. Penicillin can either be injected or
taken by mouth. Doctors usually prescribe a 10
day treatment for patients. Doctors may also
prescribe medicine To deal with the actual
Scarlet Fever rash itself which are available as
over the counter drugs. It is also important to
know when to call your childs doctor. If your
child develops any kind of Fever or any rash at
all infact you should definitely seek
professional treatment.
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Contagiousness
Group A streptoccocal infections that cause
Scarlet Fever are contagious. Strep bacteria can
Be passed through contact with nasal or throat
fluids of someone with a strep throat
infection. The disease can also be passed by
touching the infected skin of someone who has
strep Impetigo, or by sharing towels, or bed
linens. It is estimated that in a home where one
of the family members has a strep throat
infection About one in four family members will
also become infected. There are also cases where
Children can be carriers of the strep bacteria
without even showing or having any
symptoms. Among school age children 15-20 may
carriers of the strep bacteria
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Summary

• -Scarlet Fever is caused by a group A
  streptoccocal infection.
• Scarlet Fever is usually seen in children under
  the age of 18
• In cases of Scarlet Fever a rash usually appears
  somewhere on the childs body
• Scarlet Fever is contagious
• Historically 15-20 of Scarlet Fever occurrences
  ended in death but since new
• Antibiotic treatment the mortality rate is less
  then one percent.
• -Scarlet Fever usually does not last more then 6
  days, if it does its important to
• Revisit your childs doctor.
• -The Scarlet Fever germ is carried in the mouth
  and nasal fluids and can be caught
• By coming in contact with a sick or infected
  person.
• -Symptoms include, headache, nausea, vomiting,
  and loss of appetite. The childs
• Temperature will usually be around 101 degrees
  Fahrenheit.

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Bibliography
-Rutherford, Kim MD, August 2001, Scarlet Fever
Infections, Kidshealth www.kidshealth.org/parent/
infections/bacterial-viral.com May 19, 2003
-Zabawski Edward J, July, 2002, Scarlet Fever,
emedicine www.emedicine.com/Derm/topic383.htm May
20, 2003 -Author Unknown, October 24, 2002
Scarlet Fever, CDC www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseas
einfo/scarletfever.com May 19, 2003