What Is Scarlet Fever?
Scarlet fever is otherwise known as scarlatina. Scarlet fever is an infection that usually develops in people who might have an existing strep throat infection. The typical features of scarlet fever are bright red rashes on the body. They are often accompanied by sore throat and fever.
The same bacteria that cause strep throat are also known to cause scarlet fever. Scarlet fever mostly occurs in children between the ages of 5 and 15 years. It is a serious childhood illness.
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The infection spreads from one person to another person through the droplets expelled by an infected person during coughing or sneezing.
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Scarlet fever has more chances of spreading through direct contact with the fomites.
What Are Fomites?
When an inanimate object or item is infected by the sputum or any other discharges expelled by the infected person, the infectious germs may still remain in the objects. The objects may include desks, handkerchiefs, soaps, glasses, plates, utensils, clothes, cups, spoons, doorknobs, pencils, pens, bath faucet handles, toilet flush, handrails, buttons of the lift machine, television remote controls, touch screens, phones, keyboards, and coffeepot handles. The germs residing in these objects cannot be seen with our naked eye. The spreading of infection by fomites is known to be proved in many theories of infection. Hence it should be frequently cleaned to avoid spreading to other family members, friends, and classmates.
What Causes Scarlet Fever?
Scarlet fever is caused by a similar type of bacteria that is causing strep throat. In scarlet fever, a toxin is released by the bacteria. This toxin produces red rashes on the tongue. The normal incubation time taken for scarlet fever is usually two to four days. The incubation period is the time taken for the symptoms to show or express.
What Are the Risk Factors of Scarlet Fever?
Children aged five to fifteen years are more likely to get affected by scarlet fever than other people. This may be due to the improper development of the immune system. The germs causing scarlet fever can easily spread through direct contact with the droplets from the affected person.
What Are the Symptoms of Scarlet Fever?
The signs and symptoms might vary depending on the severity of the disease.
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Red Rashes: The rashes of scarlet fever look like sunburns and feel like sandpaper rubbing. It usually begins on the face or neck and spreads to the trunk, arms, and legs. When the pressure is applied to the reddened part of the skin, it will turn pale.
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Red Lines: The parts of the skin around the groin, knees, armpits, elbows, and neck usually become a deeper red than the surrounding rash.
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Flushed Face: The face might appear flushed. A pale ring is seen around the mouth. Flushed skin appearance is because of the tiny blood vessels lying beneath the skin. These blood vessels either dilate or widen. When these blood vessels expand, they are rapidly filled with more blood. This can make the skin appear red or pink. This effect is seen more in regions of the body where the blood vessels are seen closest to the skin. This might include cheeks and chest. The skin that is flushed may feel hot to the touch. This may be accompanied by a mild burning sensation. It does not cause harm most of the time. But it is recommended to check with the doctor.
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Strawberry Tongue: The tongue generally looks bright red and bumpy. The tongue becomes enlarged, swollen, and red. This might resemble the strawberry fruit. It is often covered with a white coating in the early stages of the disease. When a patient develops a strawberry tongue, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately to know the underlying cause. The doctor will perform a few tests for confirmation.
The symptoms of rashes are known to last about a week. When these signs and symptoms have subsided, the skin affected by the rash often peels. Other signs and symptoms associated with scarlet fever are:
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Very high fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 Celsius) or higher. It is often associated with chills.
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A sore throat may be present. Sometimes it is seen with white or yellowish patches.
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Difficulty in swallowing.
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Swelling and tenderness along the lymph nodes (enlarged glands in the neck).
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Vomiting.
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Headache.
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Nausea.
What Are the Complications of Scarlet Fever?
The bacteria causing the infection may further spread through blood, kidneys, and lungs. If scarlet fever is left untreated, it may cause other complications such as:
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Rheumatic fever (which can involve the heart, joints, and nervous system).
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Skin infection.
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Kidney diseases.
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Abscess formation.
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Infections of the lung.
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Severe middle ear infections.
How Is Scarlet Fever Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of scarlet fever is made through detailed history taking and physical examination of the patients. The healthcare provider will check the condition of the throat, tonsils, and tongue clinically. They may advise the patient for a swab test. If there are no bacterial infections, then some other factors might be responsible for the illness.
How Is Scarlet Fever Treated?
Treatment for scarlet fever involves primarily providing relief from the symptoms. Primary care to manage the symptoms of scarlet fever includes:
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To provide adequate supplements of fluids.
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Patients are advised to drink plenty of water.
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To perform salt water gargling.
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Humidification of the air is required. Using a cool-mist humidifier to eliminate the dry air is essential.
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Patients are advised to avoid ice creams and cold items.
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It is recommended to avoid any products that could irritate the throat.
When the affected child is suspected of having scarlet fever, the doctor will prescribe certain antibiotics. Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) can be used to control the fever. This might also reduce throat pain.
How Can Scarlet Fever Be Prevented?
There are no vaccines found to prevent scarlet fever. The best prevention strategies for scarlet fever are some of the standard precaution protocols to be followed against infections:
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It is advised to wash hands properly. It is essential to wash hands for a minimum of 15 seconds. Parents should teach their children how to wash their hands thoroughly with warm and soapy water. After washing hands, it is necessary to wipe with clean towels.
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Do not share utensils or food with the affected person as it is highly contagious. As a cleanliness measure, the child should not share drinking glasses or other eating utensils with friends, family members, or classmates.
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It is mandatory to cover the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing to prevent the potential spread of germs from one person to another.
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It is advisable to wash the toys used by the affected child in hot soapy water or using a dishwasher.
Conclusion
Scarlet fever is a contagious bacterial infection that could affect the young population. It is caused by a bacteria called group A streptococcus. This condition causes fever, chills, and rashes all over the body. Certain antibiotics are used in the treatment of scarlet fever. It is recommended to follow necessary preventive measures to avoid the condition.
