How To Spot Scarlet Fever

Scarlet fever is a rare type of bacterial infection that may develop in some patients who have strep throat. While it was once considered a serious illness, the introduction of modern antibiotics has made scarlet fever a much more treatable condition. Scarlet fever occurs most often in patients between five and fifteen years old. The illness is contagious, and it is spread by contact with infected droplets; symptoms typically present within four days of exposure. To diagnose scarlet fever, doctors begin with a physical examination. During the exam, the physician will look at the mouth, tongue, tonsils, and throat, and they will also inspect any skin rashes. The lymph nodes in the neck may be felt to check for enlargement. Patients will have a throat swab to check for the bacteria that causes scarlet fever. If the test is positive, antibiotics are provided as the first line of treatment, and doctors typically begin with amoxicillin or penicillin. If left untreated, scarlet fever can cause heart, kidney, and lung damage. Other potential complications include ear infections, pneumonia, rheumatic fever, and abscesses of the tonsils.

Some of the most common symptoms associated with scarlet fever are outlined below.

Strawberry Tongue

In the early stages of scarlet fever, patients typically present with what is known as a strawberry tongue. This symptom is characterized by generalized redness of the tongue itself, and the tongue's texture may become bumpy. In addition, the tongue sometimes becomes covered with a thick white coating. On examination, patients with strawberry tongue may also display white and yellow patches on the tongue and throat. These can make chewing, eating, and drinking painful, and doctors recommend patients choose soothing, soft foods. For example, ice pops, warm broths and soups, tea, hot chocolate, and ice cream may all be easier for patients with strawberry tongue to consume. In addition, patients may wish to use lozenges or sprays with numbing agents to temporarily reduce pain. Strawberry tongue and related symptoms normally resolve quickly with antibiotic treatment.

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