Spotlight on Scarlet Fever
Stacey from Daisy First Aid Guildford & Redhill explains the symptoms of scarlet fever and what to do if your little one has them…
Scarlet Fever is at a 49 year high in the UK with cases reported up and down the country. Although the condition used to be very serious, nowadays, it tends to be a mild illness that is easy to treat.
Scarlet Fever is a bacterial infection that is usually effects the skin and the throat.
Children are the most ‘at risk’ group for Scarlet Fever. It is contagious and most likely to affect someone that has a sore throat or skin infection already.
It has a very distinctive rash and with early treatment, it can clear up with antibiotics from the doctor. Although rare, it is possible to catch Scarlet Fever more than once.
What to look out for
It can take anything from a day to a week for symptoms to present themselves after someone has been exposed to Scarlet Fever.
Most common early symptoms include:
- sore throat
- headache
- high fever of 38.3 degrees and above
- flushed cheeks
- swollen tongue
What about the rash?
A few days after the early symptoms, a pinkish rash will appear – usually on the chest and tummy before spreading to other areas including ears and the neck
The rash feels rough and raised to touch and it is usually itchy. On darker skin, it may be harder to see but the texture will be obvious.
How is Scarlet Fever treated?
Scarlet Fever is treated easily with antibiotics from the doctor. The course of treatment given is usually 10 days, and it is important to finish the course, even if the child improves after a couple of days.
With antibiotics, your child will still be infectious for the first 24 hours of treatment, after that they will no longer be contagious. If your child doesn’t show signs of improvement after a few days, you should seek urgent medical advice.
Without treatment, Scarlet Fever will naturally run it’s course but your child will be infectious for up to 2 weeks after the symptoms first appear. Without treatment, Scarlet Fever can lead to the infection spreading further around the body which may become more serious, such as sinusitis or pneumonia.
About Stacey:
Stacey is a mum, a KalliKids Champion for Surrey and a qualified first aider, who runs KalliKids accredited Daisy First Aid Guildford & Redhill.
Daisy First Aid Page link: www.daisyfirstaid.com/stacey-reigate