Scarlet Fever

When an exotoxin substance was released by Streptococcus pyogenes Group A, Scarlet fever arises. It is characterized by sore throat, a strawberry red appearance of tongue, fever, rash over the upper part of the body that may spread to almost the entire body. For some reason, Scarlet fever may progress into rheumatic fever.

The name Scarlet fever is derived from the rashes that surfaced due to infection; the exotoxin causes the scarlet-colored rash. Reaction from the streptococcus infection varies in some individuals, it may not develop into a fever even they have streptococcus in their body.

Causes

Scarlet fever was before a very serious disease, but nowadays it is easily curable. Time between infection and surfacing of symptoms is generally one to two days. This typically begins with fever and chills, sore throat, malaise, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

The exotoxin that the bacterium released causes a rash to appear one to two days after the onset of illness. Those rashes usually appear first on the neck and chest, eventually covering the body. The texture of the rash is like a fine sandpaper when. The said rash can last for a week or more. When the rashes fade, skin peeling or desquamation may occur especially around the finger tips, toes, and groin area. This may happen after four days of the fever and may last for a month

Symptoms

Early symptoms indicating the onset of scarlet fever can include:

High Fever (38 to 40 degrees C/101-104 degrees F)
Fatigue
Sore throat
Headache
Flushed face
Muscle pains
Nausea or Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Tachycardia or rapid pulse
Lymphadenopathy or enlarged lymph nodes
Bright red tongue with a “strawberry” appearance

In one to two days, rashes may appear.

Treatment

Other than the occurrence of the diarrhea, the treatment and course of scarlet fever are no different from those of any strep throat. In case of penicillin allergy, clindamycin or erythromycin can be used with success.

 Prevention

Bacteria are spread thru direct contact or by droplets exhaled by an infected person. Avoid contact with infected persons.