Scarlet fever in children can cause severecomplicationsPhoto: Getty Scarlet fever in children is caused by one of the varieties of group A streptococcus. This is a group of bacteria capable of destroying red blood cells in the blood. Getting into the mucous tissues, streptococcus begins to actively develop toxins. Blood carries poisonous substances and intoxicates the body.

Scarlet fever in children: symptoms

Symptoms are detected within 1-10 days withthe moment of infection. In general, children aged 3-10 years who visit children's institutions are ill. The causative agent of the disease is transmitted by airborne droplets, through toys and public objects. As a rule, streptococcus first populates the mucous tissues of the nasopharynx. Then the infection passes into the blood and spreads throughout the body. Microbes "work" in three ways:

• Toxic. Causes a rash on the skin, fever, neurological reactions, disruption in the endocrine and cardiovascular systems.
• Septic. It is characterized by catarrhal inflammations, purulent angina, necrotic changes in the mucous membranes.
• Allergic. There are lymphadenitis (enlarged lymph nodes), kidney complications, undulating temperature rises.

You can get infected not only from a sick child,but also from an adult carrier of streptococcal infection. Overcrowding of children's groups in gardens and schools contributes to the rapid spread of the disease. In children, the first symptoms of scarlet fever manifest themselves with a sharp temperature jump. The numbers on the thermometer are close to 39 °. The child complains that it is difficult for him to swallow, his head hurts, he feels sick. Vomiting may open. A characteristic feature is a bright red itchy rash, covering the entire body in a matter of hours. The rash thickens in the skin folds, forming red stripes (Pastia lines). The bands are localized in the elbows, armpits, and groin. Spreading rashes from the top down, first covering the face, then - the hands, feet and other parts of the body. The skin of the baby is very dry. Rashes and lines Pasta are the distinctive symptoms of scarlet fever in a child, allowing an experienced physician to diagnose accurately. On the face, the rash is concentrated on the cheeks, forehead and temples. The skin of the nasolabial triangle is pale, without rashes. Another characteristic of scarlet fever is the "glowing pharynx": a bright red throat with purulent deposits on the tonsils. Lymph nodes are enlarged The tongue at the beginning of the disease is covered with a dense white-white coating. Then the plaque descends from the sides and tip, the tongue acquires a bright color and is covered with small papillae - the so-called "crimson tongue". After 3-7 days the rash disappears, leaving no pigmentation. The skin strongly peels: the palms and feet of the child are covered with large scales, starting from the tips of the fingers. The neck, ears, and trunk are sprinkled with particles similar to bran. 7 days after the onset of the disease, the immune system accumulates antibodies - special compounds that can fight infection and bind toxins. Manifestations of the disease weaken, the child begins to recover. Currently, severe scarlet fever is rare. Basically, the disease is mild or moderate. You can treat your child at home. At the first symptoms of infection, it is necessary to call a doctor to start treatment in time and avoid complications. Read also:

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