La scarlet fever It is one of the most common childhood illnesses. It is rare in very young children and appears with increased frequency from age 2 onwards, being usual between 4 and 10. It is characterized by fever, sore throat or with a exanthema typical on the skin.
This is one Infectious disease caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS). Some strains produce pyrogenic toxins that trigger the rash in susceptible children. The contagion is direct, principally for respiratory drops (saliva and nasal secretions) from sick or carrier people.
Symptom
The first symptoms of scarlet fever that may appear in the child and may alert are:
- Skin rash or rash
- Swollen glands in the neck.
- Sore throat.
- High fever (38ÂşC).
- Tongue with a yellowish-white coating.
El rash It usually starts on the neck and face (respecting the area around the mouth, known as Filatov's triangle) and extends to the trunk and extremities. It is micropapular, of touch rough (sandpaper) and more intense in folds (armpits, groin), where they can be seen Pastia lines (red bands). The language It may initially appear whitish and later raspberry jam. The peeling Skin rash may appear after 3-7 days of rash and last for weeks.
Signos
In addition to the symptoms, there are some signs before symptoms that could give you an idea that it was scarlet fever. These signs can be:
- Shaking chills.
- Joint pain throughout the body.
- Nausea.
- Loss of appetite.
- Vomiting
El incubation period is usually from 2 to 5 daysIn some children the rash may appear without high fever or even without pharyngitis when the origin is a skin infection (e.g., impetigo or streptococcal perianal disease).
Care Instructions
- Normally this disease is usually easily cured with antibiotics normal.
- In addition, important care must be taken with the fever, which will resolve after about 48 h after the administration of antibiotics.
- For sore throat it is advisable to drink plenty of fluids and eat easy-to-eat shredded foods.
- For rash It is necessary to use creams without perfume.
El treatment of choice is penicillin V or amoxicillin taken orally for 10 daysIn non-IgE-mediated penicillin allergies there are alternatives safe. Shorter regimens may be considered in selected cases, but the standard regimen remains preferred. Avoid amoxicillin/clavulanate routine, since EBHGA does not produce beta-lactamases.
The antibiotic reduces the duration of the symptoms, shortens the contagion (within 24 hours most stop being contagious), and prevents suppurative complications. As for non-suppurative complications, it is effective for prevent rheumatic fever if started within the first few days of illness; for glomerulonephritis or PANDAS there is no conclusive evidence.
How is it spread and who is affected?
transmission is direct from person to person by respiratory drops. There may be asymptomatic carriers. It is more frequent in Children from 3 to 8 years and tends to increase in winter and spring. In some series, a slightly higher frequency is observed in men. Contact with the rash not contagious itself.
Diagnosis and tests
The diagnosis is mainly clinically and must be confirmed with rapid strep test (RDT) o throat culture. The TDR has high specificity (>95%) and a sensitivity variable (90–95%)If the TDR is negative but suspicion is high, it is recommended cultureHighly sensitive molecular techniques exist, but they are not widely used due to their cost and risk of overdiagnosis.
Sample collection: rub with a swab back wall of the pharynx and both tonsils, avoiding touching the tongue, grapes or cheeks so as not to contaminate them with saliva.
Differential diagnosis
Other causes of rash and pharyngitis should be considered: rubella (mild maculopapular rash and lymphadenopathy), measles (fever and marked respiratory symptoms), erythema infectiosum (cheeks slapped), sudden rash (post-fever rash), and Kawasaki disease in minors without pharyngitis. Also: staphylococcal scarlet fever by Staphylococcus aureus (does not cause pharyngitis) and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum in adolescents. In rash without pharyngitis or in recurrences, microbiological confirmation is especially important.
Complications and when to consult
Without treatment, the bacteria can spread to tonsils, leather, breast, middle ear, lungs, blood, heart, kidneys, Joints y muscles. Complications such as are rare rheumatic fever o glomerulonephritisA relationship has been proposed with PANDAS in some children, but it is still controversial.
Check if: the fever persists >48 h After starting antibiotics, they appear blisters or wounds in the rash, pain when swallowing intense or refusal of liquids, continued vomiting, respiratory distress, or signs of dehydration.
Home care and prevention
Follow the pattern complete antibiotic without stopping prematurely. For fever and pain, use Common painkillers indicated by the pediatrician (avoid aspirin in children). Offer abundant hydration and soft foods; for itching, fragrance-free emollientsWith antibiotics, the contagion decreases markedly at 24h; when the child is better and without fever, you can back to school. Measures such as hand washing, covering your cough, not sharing utensils, and ventilating help prevent infections.
More information - Scarlet fever, how is it spread?
Source - Wikipedia, Prenatal, Aboutkidshealth.
Scarlet fever is benign and self-limiting In most cases if diagnosed and treated early; recognize its typical rash, confirm with a rapid test or culture and administer the suitable antibiotic It allows the child to recover quickly and reduces complications and infections.