Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
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Scarlet Fever
DESCRIPTION (Diagnosis must be confirmed by a physician.)
- Reddened, sunburned-looking skin (especially on the chest
and abdomen) that feels rough, somewhat like sandpaper.
- On close inspection, the redness is speckled (tiny pink
dots).
- Increased redness in skin folds (especially the groin,
armpits, and elbow creases).
- The rash covers all areas within 24 hours.
- Flushed face with paleness around the mouth.
- Sore throat and fever (usually occurring 18 to 24 hours
before the rash).
CAUSE
Scarlet fever is a strep throat infection with a rash. The
complication rate is no different than the complication rate
for strep throat alone. The rash is caused by a toxin that
is produced by some strep bacteria.
EXPECTED COURSE
The red rash usually clears in 4 or 5 days. Sometimes the
skin peels in 1 to 2 weeks where the rash was most prominent
(for example, the groin). The skin on the fingertips also
commonly peels. Your child will stop having a sore throat
and fever after taking an antibiotic for 1 or 2 days.
HOME TREATMENT
- Antibiotics
Your child needs the antibiotic prescribed by your
physician.
Try not to forget any of the doses. If your child goes
to school or a baby sitter, arrange for someone to give
the midafternoon dose. Give the medicine until all the
pills are gone or the bottle is empty. Even though your
child will feel better in a few days, give the
antibiotic for 10 days to keep the strep throat from
flaring up again.
If the medicine is a liquid, store it in the
refrigerator. Use a measuring spoon to be sure that you
give the right amount.
A long-acting penicillin (Bicillin) injection can be
given if your child will not take oral medicines or if
it will be impossible for you to give the medicine
regularly. (Note: If given correctly, the oral
antibiotic works just as rapidly and effectively as a
shot.)
- Relief of sore throat
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen is very helpful. Children
over 1 year old can sip warm chicken broth or apple juice.
Children over 4 years old can suck on hard candy or
lollipops.
- The rash
The rash itself needs no treatment. It generally clears
in 4 to 5 days.
- Contagiousness
Your child is no longer contagious after he or she has
been on an antibiotic for 24 hours. Therefore, your
child can return to school after 1 day if he or she is
feeling better. The rash itself is not contagious.
- Throat cultures for the family
Scarlet fever and strep throat can spread to others in
the family. Any child or adult who lives in your home
and has a fever, sore throat, runny nose, headache,
vomiting, or sores; or who doesn't want to eat; or who
develops these symptoms in the next 5 days should have a
throat culture. In most homes your physician needs to
culture only those who are sick. (EXCEPTION: In
families where relatives have had rheumatic fever or
frequent strep infections, everyone should come in for a
throat culture.) Your physician will call you if any of
the cultures are positive for strep.
- Recurrent strep throat and recultures
Usually repeat throat cultures are not necessary if your
child takes all of the antibiotic. However, about
10% of children with strep throat don't respond to
initial antibiotic treatment. Therefore, if your child
continues to have a sore throat or mild fever after
treatment is completed, return for a second throat
culture. If it is positive, your child will be
retreated with a different antibiotic.
CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF:
- Your child starts acting very sick.
CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN DURING OFFICE HOURS IF:
- The fever lasts over 48 hours after your child starts
taking the antibiotic.
- You have other concerns or questions.
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