How to Diagnose and Treat Scarlet Fever
Recognize the signs and symptoms of a streptococcal infection.Scarlet fever is caused by the bacteria Group A Strep, which is the same bacteria that causes strep throat., Be on the lookout for the characteristic scarlet fever rash.In addition to a...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Recognize the signs and symptoms of a streptococcal infection.Scarlet fever is caused by the bacteria Group A Strep
The most common early symptoms are a fever and a sore throat, as well as sore and swollen glands (lymph nodes) in your neck.
This may or may not be followed by abdominal pain, vomiting, and/or chills.
With a Group A Strep infection, your tonsils are often coated with white chunks (called "exudate") that can be seen if you open your mouth very wide and look in a mirror.
A sore throat caused by Group A Strep usually does not have a cough, which is one way that you can differentiate it from other infections. -
Step 2: which is the same bacteria that causes strep throat.
The scarlet fever rash caused by Group A Strep is usually red with a rough feel, similar to sandpaper.
The rash may be the first symptom to appear, or it may appear up to seven days following the onset of other signs and symptoms.
The rash typically begins by affecting your neck, your underarms, and your groin area.
The rash can then spread to affect other areas of the body.
The rash is often accompanied by a very red tongue (called a "strawberry tongue"), a flushed face, and red lines in various skin folds including the groin, armpits, knees and elbows. , Therefore, if your child develops these symptoms, it is important to bring him or her to a doctor immediately.
Keep in mind, however, that Group A Strep infections and scarlet fever can develop in people of any age. -
Step 3: Be on the lookout for the characteristic scarlet fever rash.In addition to a sore throat
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Step 4: the hallmark of how scarlet fever presents is as a skin infection.
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Step 5: Know who is at higher risk.Scarlet fever is most common in children and adolescents between the ages of five and 15.
Detailed Guide
The most common early symptoms are a fever and a sore throat, as well as sore and swollen glands (lymph nodes) in your neck.
This may or may not be followed by abdominal pain, vomiting, and/or chills.
With a Group A Strep infection, your tonsils are often coated with white chunks (called "exudate") that can be seen if you open your mouth very wide and look in a mirror.
A sore throat caused by Group A Strep usually does not have a cough, which is one way that you can differentiate it from other infections.
The scarlet fever rash caused by Group A Strep is usually red with a rough feel, similar to sandpaper.
The rash may be the first symptom to appear, or it may appear up to seven days following the onset of other signs and symptoms.
The rash typically begins by affecting your neck, your underarms, and your groin area.
The rash can then spread to affect other areas of the body.
The rash is often accompanied by a very red tongue (called a "strawberry tongue"), a flushed face, and red lines in various skin folds including the groin, armpits, knees and elbows. , Therefore, if your child develops these symptoms, it is important to bring him or her to a doctor immediately.
Keep in mind, however, that Group A Strep infections and scarlet fever can develop in people of any age.
About the Author
Edward West
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