{"id":5846,"date":"2019-04-18T06:08:09","date_gmt":"2019-04-18T06:08:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=5846"},"modified":"2021-05-04T14:22:27","modified_gmt":"2021-05-04T14:22:27","slug":"15-uncomfortable-symptoms-of-scarlet-fever","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/15-uncomfortable-symptoms-of-scarlet-fever\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Uncomfortable Symptoms of Scarlet Fever"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Scarlet fever was considered to be a severe childhood disease in the past. However, this disease is now fairly easy to treat and the prognosis for a full recovery is quite good. Scarlet fever is most common in children aged five to fifteen, but adults are not immune to this disease. There are several common symptoms that are associated with having scarlet fever. The most notable is a rash that occurs all over the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the disease is treated early the prognosis is very good. Antibiotics are typically prescribed by a doctor to help fight off this infection. Since it is important to get treatment for scarlet fever early it is important to know the symptoms of the illness so that an early diagnosis can be provided and treatment can be started right away. Here are some of the uncomfortable symptoms that are associated with scarlet fever. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Sore Throat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Scarlet fever is caused by bacteria entering the body. The bacteria that causes a person to develop strep throat is the same one that causes a person to develop scarlet fever. For this reason, most people who suffer from scarlet fever will have a throat that is very sore. In some cases, the throat may have white patches or strips of pus that are very visible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These patches of pus <\/a>can make it difficult for the person to swallow anything. Typically, a sore throat that is caused by streptococcus will come on quickly. It is extremely contagious as the bacteria can spread through the droplets produced by sneezing and coughing or even from the person\u2019s saliva left on a utensil. A person is contagious at about 12 hours after being exposed to the bacteria until twelve hours after the fever has gone down. It is important to rest and stay away from people when suffering from a sore throat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Fever<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many reasons that a person may develop a fever<\/a>. Often times a fever is the first line of defense the body has in order to fight off an infection. If a person has a severe sore throat and begins running a fever, there is a chance that they have been infected by streptococcus. This may turn into strep throat or a person may develop scarlet fever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any fever over 101 degrees F is a sign that there is an infection beginning in the body. Sweating and chills will often accompany a fever. In small children, it is important to try to keep the fever down. A high fever can cause the child to start convulsing. Fever reducing medications can help to bring the fever down and keep the child more comfortable. A lukewarm bath and cold water to drink can also help lower the body temperature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Blotchy rash<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the symptoms that differentiate strep throat from scarlet fever is the rash that appears with scarlet fever. This rash will be pinkish or red in color and will typically begin on the stomach. The rash <\/a>will then spread from the stomach to other areas of the body. The blotches on the skin may spread apart or they can join together to form one big blotch. The skin that has the rash will often feel very rough, similar to sandpaper. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are running a fever, have a sore throat, and notice a rash starting to appear on the body, chances are high that you have developed scarlet fever. Seeking medical attention in order to get treatment started right away is very important as this is the best way to ensure a positive prognosis. The sooner antibiotics can be started the better as the medication can help your body fight off the invading bacteria.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Red Streaks or Lines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In addition to developing a splotchy rash, a person who has scarlet fever may find that the creases of the skin, as well as the folds of the body, appear to be redder in color than other areas of the body. The elbows, knees, and armpits may appear to have red streaks around them. These streaks may be accompanied by the blotchy rash or a person may not have the rash at all, but have the red streaks in these areas instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice that there are red streaks in any area of the body it is important to go to your doctor right away. Often times when you press on the red streak it will go away and then reappear. Your doctor will be able to determine the underlying cause for this symptom and then start you on the proper treatment for the bacteria <\/a>or infection that you have developed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Red Face<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another common and uncomfortable symptom that is caused by scarlet fever is a face that appears red or flushed. The red coloring of the face is not the same as the blotchy rash that may appear on the rest of the body. The cheeks can turn very red and it may seem like the person has a sunburn<\/a>. The area of the face located around the lips is typically not affected by scarlet fever and instead of turning red, it may become quite pale instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Red cheeks often indicate that there is an infection present and this redness is often accompanied by a high fever. Feeling flushed when suffering from scarlet fever is very common. If you notice that your face, especially your cheeks, are redder than normal and you have some of the other symptoms on this list, it is best to seek out medical attention to find out what is causing these issues. Antibiotics are typically prescribed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Swollen Tonsils<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When the tonsils <\/a>become swollen it is a sign that there is an infection present. The tonsils are a part of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is very important as it is what helps to rid the body of toxins. When the lymphatic system becomes infected with bacteria such as streptococcal, they will swell. The tonsils will become swollen when this bacteria is allowed to enter the area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swollen tonsils are one of the most common signs of strep throat and can be a sign of scarlet fever as well. When the tonsils become swollen they can make it difficult to swallow anything. This means that a person may stop eating and drinking because it hurts too much. When this happens a person may become dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to many other issues as well, which is why it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Strawberry Tongue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another sign that a person may have scarlet fever and not strep throat is the appearance of what is often referred to as strawberry tongue. The tongue <\/a>may become very red or appear white. The white coating that appears on the tongue may start to peel away. This leaves the taste buds and the tongue swollen and quite red. When this occurs the tongue looks similar to a strawberry, hence the name. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tongue may appear white, be white with some red dots, or be swollen and red with taste buds that are enlarged. This can be a painful symptom of scarlet fever as the entire mouth may feel swollen. When this occurs, a person may also have a very sore throat and swollen tonsils, all of which will make it difficult to eat or drink anything. This increases the risk of dehydration setting in, which can make it even more difficult to begin healing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Nausea and Vomiting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to symptoms of an infection, nausea<\/a>, and vomiting are quite common. In fact, nausea and vomiting can be caused by any number of bacteria or viruses. Some people who develop scarlet fever also start to have other non-specific symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. This may be caused by running a high fever. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using a fever-reducing medication can help to bring the fever down and may help with the feelings of nausea. If you are feeling nauseous and\/or vomiting, it is important to make sure that you try to drink as much fluid as possible in order to stay hydrated. Try sticking to a diet of bananas, applesauce, rice, and toast and avoid any dairy or foods that are high in acid. Staying hydrated when you are ill is very important as dehydration can lead to numerous health risks, some of which can be quite detrimental. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Dehydration
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Dehydration <\/a>is one of the more severe complications of vomiting symptoms associated with scarlet fever infection. When the patient vomits, they lose vital body fluids containing minerals and electrolytes. Should the patient fail to rehydrate after each purge, they run the risk of becoming dehydrated.
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The initial stages of dehydration include symptoms of lethargy, dry mouth, and thirst. If left untreated, the patient experiences an electrolyte imbalance, resulting in further complications. Electrolytes help to regulate our nervous system, and an imbalance may result in the patient experiencing seizures.
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If the patient is struggling to drink fluids and hold them down, try letting them suck on an ice block to relieve the dry mouth and thirst symptoms. The slow absorption of water might not produce vomiting.
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If the patient is not holding down fluids after 36-hours, it’s advisable to take them to the hospital for medical assistance. Doctors treat this type of extreme dehydration by using IV fluids to restore body fluids and electrolyte balance.
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10. Chills
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The fever symptoms in patients can range from mild to very high depending on the health of the person’s immune system, as well as the viral load of the pathogen<\/a>.
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Since scarlet fever mostly affects children, it has a high chance of produces intense symptoms of fever. Children have yet to develop a robust immune system, and as a result, they are more prone to the severe effects of the disease.
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When a child experiences a high fever, they may also notice they feel cold, and start to shiver at some stages throughout the course of the illness. These chills occur due to the body creating a new temperature setpoint to induce the fever and kill off the invading pathogen.
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Most doctors are hesitant to break a fever unless it passes the 100F mark. Patients with fever symptoms higher than 102F may be at risk of complications to do with brain swelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Headache
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Patients who are dealing with scarlet fever infection tend to develop a headache <\/a>in the early stages of the disease. This symptom occurs due to a variety of reasons, making them one of the subtler signs of scarlet fever.
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Patients may develop headaches ads the virus creates complications with blood vessels and blocks neurological pathways, resulting in headaches. Headaches vary in intensity and severity and can last a few minutes or many hours, depending on the patient.
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Hydration levels play a significant role in the situation. Patients in a dehydrated state are at high risk of developing intense and lengthy headaches. Therefore, the development could be a sign of dehydration \u2013 and a situation that requires immediate treatment.
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Treatment for headaches can involve drinking a glass of water, and sitting in a dark, quiet room in your home. If this doesn’t help, try using an OTC anti-inflammatory or painkiller to ease your symptoms. Most headaches associated with scarlet fever are mild and fade away in 30-minutes or so. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Swollen Lymph Nodes
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The lymphatic system runs throughout the body, pulling toxins from our bloodstream into the lymphatic fluid. It uses the lymph nodes to filter the fluid, removing the toxins. In times of infection, the lymph nodes<\/a> swell as they struggle to remove the excess toxins caused by scarlet fever infection.
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As a result, the child may find that they develop swelling in the neck, where the highest concentration of lymph nodes exists. Other regions of the body containing lymph nodes include the groin and the armpits.
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Patients experience swelling around 24-hours after the onset of symptoms. The nodes may remain swollen for a few days after the infection clears, and they don’t require any dressing or special care. If the nodes feel painful, then try icing them with an icepack to prevent the inflammation.
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If the nodes become solid or turn from reddish to brown, then it’s a sign of a severe complication in the lymphatic system, and the patient should receive immediate medical treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Complications
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The bacteria responsible for scarlet fever infection can spread to other regions of the body if the patient does not receive prompt treatment. Complications of the disease in other areas include the spread of the bacteria to the tonsils, where it causes inflammation and swelling, leading to the development of tonsillitis<\/a>.
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Should the bacteria reach the lungs, it can cause bronchitis or pneumonia, as well as upper-respiratory complications. Pneumonia can be a life-threatening situation, especially if the bacteria spread to both lungs. The child may perish from lung collapse and require revival with a ventilator in severe cases.
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Bacteria can also spread to the middle ear, producing symptoms of “otitis media,” where the child experiences ear pain and slight loss of balance. If the bacteria move to the Eustachian tubes, then the child may develop a sore throat as well.
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If the kidneys and bladder experience bacterial infection, the child may notice the onset of a urinary tract infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Risk Factors
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Scarlet fever is a preventable disease, and it’s most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15-years old. Children do not yet have the robust immune system of an adult, making them more prone to picking up bacterial and viral infections. Children attending nursery schools are in a high-risk environment for developing various types of infections, from pink eye<\/a> to scarlet fever.
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The kids bring the bacteria home from nursery school and end up infecting other family members who distribute it throughout the community. Parents need to be responsible about the way they handle any contagious bacterial or viral infection that affects their children.
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Quarantine your child until they start to show signs of recovery from the disease. Don’t let them near any seniors living in the house, as seniors also have weakened immune systems as a result of the aging process.
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Call the nursery school and inform the teachers about the infection to help them isolate the cause of the disease and ensure it doesn’t affect any more children attending the school.
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