What Is Scarlett Fever?
Often recognized as a combination of strep throat and a rash, scarlett fever is no longer the dreaded disease once feared in the 18th century when it caused epidemics among children in America and Europe. It wasn't until the 1920s that the bacteria-causing disease was fully determined. After World War II, penicillin became available as a cure. Today, the treatment of scarlet fever has become even more accessible.
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Facts
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Scarlett fever is one of the common illnesses affecting children between the ages of 2 to 10. Spreading of the bacteria is usually linked to overextended stays in over-crowded places. Its mortality rate has greatly decreased due to the widespread availability of antibiotics.
Identification
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Scarlett fever can be mistaken for strep throat, mainly because the two are caused by the same strain of bacteria. However, there is a marked difference between the two. Both illnesses exhibit the same symptoms such as sore throat, fever, overall fatigue, headaches, runny nose and enlarged lymph nodes. Some, however, develop a toxic reaction from the bacteria which causes sandpaper-like rashes a day or two after the sore throat. This condition is then diagnosed as scarlett fever.
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Symptoms
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Common symptoms of scarlett fever include a fever of 101 degrees or higher, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, nausea, sore throat with difficulty in swallowing and body aches often associated with the flu. The red rash develops approximately 24 hours after the fever starts. It begins on the abdomen and chest, and then spreads all over the body in approximately two days. Resembling the feel of fine sandpaper, the rash worsens in the folds of the skin, and then fades in about a week, through peeling. After this, bright red spots may appear on the tongue.
Prevention and Treatment
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Patients are advised to stay home to prevent spreading of the bacteria in public places. Precautionary measures should be taken, such as washing hands regularly and thoroughly sanitizing certain items and utensils used by the afflicted. Scarlett fever can easily spread through sneezing and coughing, so, caution should be placed here as well. Antibiotics are often administered and are typically taken for about ten days. Children who have difficulty eating are usually given soft foods and plenty of liquids.
Final Word: Scarlett Fever
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To avoid complications such as sinusitis and pneumonia, or even more serious conditions like rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease, proper treatment is paramount when coping with scarlet fever.
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