Symptoms of scarlet fever in children - rash and red tonguePhoto: Getty
How is scarlet fever transmitted?
The main source of infection is a sick person,which is the acute phase of the same scarlet fever or tonsillitis, and he can also be a carrier of streptococcus infection. It is spread by airborne droplets, occasionally through household items - children's toys, cutlery, etc. The infection can enter the body through abrasions, scratches, wounds, during surgery, in such cases all the signs are present, except for tonsillitis. The main risk group is children. Group A streptococcus that gets into the blood poisons the body with toxins.
Symptoms of scarlet fever in a child
After infection, the incubation period lasts fromfrom one to 12 days. The symptoms are acute, the temperature rises sharply, there is a sore throat when swallowing, headaches, lethargy, pallor, excessive sweating. The oropharynx reflects all the signs of angina. The photo shows the primary symptoms of scarlet fever in children, already on the first day of the disease, red spots from a merged rash appear on the neck. Then it spreads to other areas, mainly in the bends of the elbows, armpits, accompanied by itching. The patient's face "burns", pale spots appear around the nose and mouth, the tongue turns red, the papillae become inflamed. This picture lasts for about 4 days, then the skin peels and so on for about 2-3 weeks. Advanced stages are divided into early and late complications. In early stages, the infection spreads to neighboring organs - otitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, sinusitis, etc. may occur. As for late complications, the human immune system is disrupted, which can lead to serious pathologies - rheumatism, glomerulonephritis. The most dangerous complications are allergic reactions. They occur with incorrect diagnosis and inappropriate treatment. At the first symptoms of scarlet fever in children, you must immediately consult a doctor. Self-medication is out of the question. Timely diagnosis and treatment with a certain number of antibiotics allows you to get rid of the disease in a short time, and without any complications. The child should be at home, bed rest is one of the main conditions for a speedy recovery. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids, eat liquid or mushy food, limit the amount of protein foods. Hospitalization is indicated at an advanced stage of the disease, it is usually treated at home. It is also necessary to hospitalize the patient if there are other children from 3 months to 10 years of age in the house. The doctor prescribes therapy with penicillin antibiotics, which are taken in the form of tablets or injections.
The best way to treat is prevention
It's no secret that preventive measuresmeasures are the best way to prevent the disease. If there is a sick person in the house, it is necessary to isolate him from others for at least 10 days. It is best if the children stay with one of the relatives during this time. If this is not possible, it is necessary to completely limit communication with the sick person for 12 days. Also, do not allow visitors or friends to see him. Wet cleaning with disinfectants should be carried out in the house. The family should strengthen the immune system, breathe fresh air more often, lead an active and healthy lifestyle. The diet should include foods rich in vitamins, microelements and minerals, drink clean water more often. It is also useful to know:
