About Scarlet Fever

Overview

Scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina, is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. It commonly occurs after a strep throat infection or a streptococcal skin infection. The infection leads to the development of a red or discolored rash, which typically feels like sandpaper and starts on the neck, underarms, and groin before spreading to other parts of the body. Other symptoms may include a sore throat, fever, chills, stomach pain, nausea, headaches, body aches, vomiting, and changes in the appearance of the tongue (strawberry tongue). Scarlet fever is more common in children than adults and can be transmitted through close contact with an infected individual. Treatment usually involves antibiotics such as amoxicillin or penicillin. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Causes and Risk Factors

The root causes of scarlet fever are:

Scarlet fever is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus, which is the same bacterium that causes strep throat.
When the bacteria release toxins, it leads to the development of scarlet fever symptoms.

Non-modifiable risk factors of scarlet fever cannot be changed or controlled. These include:

School-aged children are at an increased risk.
Adults who are often in contact with children are also at an increased risk.

Modifiable risk factors of scarlet fever can be influenced or changed. These include:

Crowding, such as in schools, military training facilities, and daycare centers increases the risk of disease spread.
Sharing towels, baths, clothes, or bed linen with an infected person can also increase the risk.
Close contact with another person who has scarlet fever is the most common risk factor for illness.

It's important to note that some individuals may carry and pass on the infection without showing any symptoms. If you suspect you have been exposed or have any concerns about scarlet fever, it's best to consult with your healthcare professional for guidance and appropriate management.

Symptoms

The most common early symptoms of scarlet fever include:

Red, sore throat with or without white or yellowish patches
Fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher, often with chills

As the disease progresses or becomes more severe, other common symptoms may occur, such as:

Rash: A red rash that feels rough like sandpaper. It typically starts on the chest and then spreads to other areas of the body. The rash may come with a pale area around the mouth and skin peeling as it fades.
Headache
Muscle aches
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Discolored, bumpy tongue (referred to as a "strawberry tongue")
Swelling of the neck

It's important to note that scarlet fever is usually a mild disease, but in some cases, it can lead to serious complications. If you or your child experience any of these symptoms, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Diagnosis

To diagnose scarlet fever, the following examinations, tests, and procedures are commonly performed:

Physical examination: A healthcare provider will examine the signs and symptoms of scarlet fever, including a characteristic rash and a sore throat.
Rapid antigen detection test (RADT): This is another type of test that can quickly detect group A strep bacteria in the throat.
Throat culture: This test involves taking a swab of throat secretions to check for the presence of group A Streptococcus bacteria, which causes scarlet fever.
Blood test: In some cases, a blood test may be ordered to help determine if the bacteria has spread to the bloodstream.

To confirm a diagnosis of scarlet fever and check for any complications, additional examinations, tests, and procedures may include:

Throat culture follow-up: If the initial RADT is negative but scarlet fever is still suspected, a throat culture may be taken as a backup test.
Monitoring vital signs: Regular monitoring of temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure can provide insight into the severity of the infection.

Remember to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Treatment Options

The goals of treatment for scarlet fever are to:

Shorten the duration of symptoms
Reduce the likelihood of transmission to others
Prevent the development of complications, such as acute rheumatic fever

To achieve these goals, the following treatments are recommended:

Medications:
- Antibiotics: Penicillin or amoxicillin are the first-line treatments for scarlet fever. They help destroy the bacteria causing the infection and reduce symptoms. Other antibiotics like cephalosporins, clindamycin, azithromycin, and clarithromycin may be used for patients with penicillin allergies.
- Over-the-counter drugs: Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be used to alleviate fever and sore throat symptoms. However, it's important to consult with your healthcare professional before taking any over-the-counter medication.
Self-care and health behavior changes:
Complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor.
Wash your hands frequently, especially if you cough or sneeze.
Stay home from work, school, or daycare until you no longer have a fever and have taken antibiotics for at least 12 to 24 hours.

It is important to note that while antibiotics are effective in treating scarlet fever, they should only be taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for side effect information.