Scarlet fever is marked by red rashes all over the body with sore throat and high fever. It is caused by bacteria that are responsible for strep throat. It is one of the common illnesses among children between the ages of 5-15 years. Initially, scarlet fever was a serious disease, but now medications are available for controlling the intensity of symptoms. If not treated promptly, scarlet fever can affect your vital organs like heart and kidneys leading to organ failure.
Symptoms :
The child affected with scarlet fever would develop bright red rashes on his body. The rash would appear first on the face followed by trunk and finally it spreads till legs. The rash would feel like sandpaper and is profoundly found in folds of the skin like armpits, knees and groin. His face may appear flushed with pale mouth. The tongue would become red and bumpy marked by white coating.
Red rash is accompanied with moderate to high fever and throat pain. Rash would start peeling after a week or so. It becomes difficult for eating and drinking due to sore throat. The glands may get inflamed and enlarged around the neck. For some children, scarlet fever may cause nausea and vomiting.
Causes :
Scarlet fever is caused by bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes and beta haemolytic streptococci. This is the same group of bacteria that cause strep infection. Once the bacteria enter the body it would release some toxin like substance that induces red rash on the body.
Scarlet fever is contagious and can spread to others through fine droplets of air when the affected child coughs or sneezes. The rate of infection is high during the incubation period of bacteria. Any infection on the body like wounds, burns can trigger scarlet fever. School going children have increased risk of developing scarlet fever.