Scarlet fever is an infectious disease caused by toxins produced by the same bacteria that cause tonsillitis. It usually affects children (between 4 and 8 years old), and rarely adults as well. The disease is spread through the small particles of saliva that are expelled when coughing or sneezing. If you think your child has contracted scarlet fever, read the following article to learn how to recognize the symptoms and risk factors of the disease.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Recognizing the Early Symptoms
The first symptoms of the disease will be very similar to those of the flu or cold. However, if it gets worse, it's important to talk to your doctor.
Step 1. Check if your child has a sore throat
This is one of the first obvious symptoms of the disease and is caused by the infection of the throat tissue. The baby will experience a burning or painful sensation every time he swallows.
The baby's throat will appear red and inflamed when the doctor checks it
Step 2. Get your fever under control
This is another typical flu symptom, however, caused by the infection. Fever occurs when the body's defense system fights against infection - your body is trying to burn off the infectious bacteria. In the early stages of the disease, your baby's temperature will not be very high, but it will rise as the infection progresses.
Step 3. Be careful if your child begins to suffer from headaches, nausea and vomiting at the same time
The infection can reach the nose, causing headaches, and as a result of the inflammation of the tissues caused by the disease. In the event of severe headaches, your stability receptors will be affected, creating the typical symptoms of car sickness, such as nausea and vomiting.
Method 2 of 3: Recognize the Advanced Symptoms
Step 1. Be careful if the fever gets higher
In the second stage of the disease, the fever tends to rise, reaching 39-40oC. If your child's temperature gets very high, go to the emergency room right away.
Step 2. Watch out for any swelling in your neck
When the body becomes infected, the lymph nodes will react to try to fight the infection, swelling very perceptibly. It is easier to spot swelling in the neck.
Step 3. Check for any unwell feelings that are affecting your baby
Malaise can include a feeling of fatigue, lack of energy, aches, and generally a feeling of discomfort. These symptoms are caused by fever.
Step 4. Look for rashes on the skin
Small red rashes are a hallmark of scarlet fever. The first rash will appear on the stomach and chest and then develop on other areas of the body. To the touch, the rash appears irregular, like sandpaper, and tends to be worse in areas where the skin folds, such as the armpits or groin area.
The only areas that will not be affected by the rashes are the palms of the hands and the sole of the foot
Step 5. Be careful if your face becomes red
It will look as if the skin on your face has been sunburned. The area around the mouth will be pale compared to the rest of the face.
Step 6. See if your child has a raspberry tongue
This symptom is caused by an enlarged taste buds. The tongue is first covered with a white patina, then, after a few days it becomes bright red.
Step 7. Check if the skin is starting to peel
When the red rash begins to fade, the baby's skin around the groin, toes and nails may begin to peel.
Method 3 of 3: Know the Risk Factors
Step 1. Remember that scarlet fever generally occurs only in young children
The age at which children are most exposed is between 2 and 8 years, and is more common in four-year-olds. There have also been cases of scarlet fever in younger or school-age children. In general, children over 15 develop a natural immunity to infection.
Step 2. Understand that closeness works against you
Working in a crowded place, or living with infected people increases the likelihood of contracting the disease. Be careful when interacting with sick people.
Step 3. Know that a weak immune system makes you more susceptible to contraction of scarlet fever
If you already suffer from an infection or another disease, your immune system will be weaker, increasing the risk of contracting the infection.
