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symptoms and signs
Scarlet fever is transmitted by droplet infection, i.e. by coughing, sneezing or physical contact. Scarlet fever mostly affects children between the ages of three and eight, but adults can also contract the infectious disease .
The first signs of the disease appear about two to five days after infection. Scarlet fever almost always begins with a sore throat, difficulty swallowing and a high fever. Symptoms also include paleness, headaches and body aches, as well as a crimson, inflamed palate and uvula. The initially white coated tongue turns raspberry red as the disease progresses. After two to three days, there is also a fine-spotted rash that starts in the groin and armpit area. This rash and raspberry tongue are typical symptoms of scarlet fever.
diagnosis and treatment
If you suspect that your child has scarlet fever, you should definitely consult a pediatrician or dermatologist. First you will be asked some questions about the occurrence of the symptoms and the beginning of the fever. It is also clarified whether there were cases of scarlet fever in the immediate vicinity, for example at school. Symptoms such as skin rashes and severe sore throats can often be used to identify symptoms. The doctor also checks whether the throat and tonsils are red, swollen or white and feels the lymph nodes. A rapid streptococcus test, a blood test or the creation of a bacterial culture also help to secure the diagnosis.
The treatment includes therapy with an antibiotic, which is prescribed by your doctor and is usually taken for 10 days. Even if the symptoms improve, it is important that the therapy is not interrupted. In the first few days of antibiotic treatment, your child should avoid contact with other people.
Tips on what to look out for in the event of an infestation
Your child needs a lot of rest and relaxation, especially in the acute phase of the illness. In addition to bed rest, it is important to drink plenty of fluids so that the body is sufficiently hydrated. Liquid foods such as broth, soup or thick vegetable juices are also recommended. It also helps if you distract your child, for example with quiet games and reading aloud.
Home remedies , such as calf wraps, can help relieve the fever. Gargling with chamomile and sage tea reduces inflammation and slows the spread of germs. Neck wraps with lemon or quark, which have a decongestant, cooling and detoxifying effect, also help against severe sore throats.
It is advisable to carry out a urine test about two weeks after the onset of the disease in order to detect possible inflammation of the kidney corpuscles at an early stage.
