Causes
Scarlet fever is a highly contagious infection that is spread primarily through a group of bacteria known as streptococcus. The condition derives its name from the fact that the bacteria, when it starts to manifest, will create a toxin that causes the development of a scarlet colored rash. However, it is essential to understand that not all cases of infection by these bacteria will create this toxin, nor are all kids susceptible to it. It is highly possible that when two kids in the same household suffer from strep infections, one may experience the complication of developing scarlet fever while the other may not. The incubation period for the condition after the bacteria has entered the body is usually about 1 to 4 days and some of the complications of the condition if left untreated include acute rheumatic fever, arthritis, kidney damage, hepatitis, meningitis, pneumonia, sinusitis and middle ear infection.
Since the condition is contagious, whenever any affected individualcoughs or sneezes, the bacteria will become airborne. The bacteria could then possibly settle on any number of inanimate objects that we usually come in contact with during the course of the day such as a doorknob or drinking glass. The condition could also spread by way of contaminated food and an exchange of fluids from the mouth.
Symptoms
Some of the more common symptoms when affected by scarlet fever include an intense abdominal pain, chills, fever, headache, sore throat, a redness of the tongue with speckles causing it to resemble the skin of a strawberry and a loss of appetite. After about 2 days from the initial infection, the infected child will start to experience sandpaper like rash developing in areas such as the forehead, neck, cheeks and chest that may later spread to the arms and back. This rash will then usually fade away after three or four days.
Treatment
The treatment of the condition depends largely on a number of variable factors such as the extent to which the condition has developed, the age of the child, sex of the child as well as the child’s overall health and physical condition. Some home remedies that could aid recovery include allowing your child (as long as he or she is above the age of 4) to suck on lozenges to relieve the sore throat. The diet should primarily consist of warm liquids and soups as well as cold treats like popsicles as they help soothe the sore throat as well. Use a humidifier in the room in order to make sure that there are significant levels of moisture in the room to prevent the further irritation of the throat. Make it a point to give your child plenty of water to drink over the course of the day.