Scarlet Fever

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina, is a throat infection caused by group A streptococcal (strep-to-kok-al) bacteria. The most common sign of scarlet fever is a rash that appears as tiny red bumps on the chest and abdomen that spreads all over the body. It looks like a sunburn and feels like a rough piece of sandpaper that later peels. Other signs and symptoms may include fever, sore throat, red and swollen tongue, and body aches and pains. Scarlet fever may cause heart or kidney disease, sinusitis (swelling of the sinuses), pneumonia, or a throat abscess.
  
  
• Scarlet fever can be diagnosed by a throat culture and treated with antibiotic medicine. Your child may need to go into the hospital if he is having eating or swallowing problems. Being dehydrated (loss of too much water) or having a high fever are other reasons for your child to stay in the hospital.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a list of your child's medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines your child takes, the amounts, and when and why they are taken. Bring the list of your child's medicines or the medicine bottles when you visit your child's caregivers. Ask your child's caregiver for more information about the medicines. Do not give any medicines to your child without first asking your child's caregiver. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements.
  
  
• Give your child's medicine as directed: Always give your child's medicine as directed by his caregivers. Call your child's caregiver if you think your child's medicines are not helping. Call if you feel your child is having side effects. Do not quit giving the medicines to your child until you discuss it with your child's caregiver.
  
  
• Do not give aspirin to children under 18 years of age: Giving aspirin to your child when he is ill may cause a very serious illness called Reye's Syndrome. This could lead to brain and liver damage. Read medicine labels to see if your child's medicine has aspirin in it.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight infection caused by bacteria. Give this medicine as ordered until it is all gone, even if your child feels better. Stopping an antibiotic without the caregiver's OK may make it unable to kill the bacteria causing the infection. Tell a caregiver if your child is allergic to antibiotics.
  
  
• Ibuprofen or acetaminophen: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen are over-the-counter medicines that may help your child's pain and fever. Ask your child's caregiver to tell you the right amount of medicine to give to your child, and how often to give it.

Ask your child's caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you and your child may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your child's next visit.

Home care:

• Give your child warm liquids, such as soup or cold foods, like popsicles or milkshakes. This may help to ease the pain of the sore throat.
  
  
• Run a cool mist humidifier. This will help increase air moisture in your child's room. Follow the humidifier instructions carefully for running and cleaning it. Direct the mist stream towards your child's face, but keep the humidifier out of your child's reach.
  
  
• Help your child to rest. Your child should rest as much as possible and get plenty of sleep.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your child has a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• Your child is tugging at his ears or has ear pain.
  
  
• You have any questions or concerns about your child's illness, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• It becomes harder for your child to eat, drink, or breathe.
  
  
• Your child has a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• Your child has any of the following signs of dehydration (loss of body fluids):
  
  
  • Crying without tears.
    
    
  • Dizziness.
    
    
  • Dry mouth or cracked lips.
    
    
  • More irritable or fussy than normal.
    
    
  • More sleepy than usual.
    
    
  • Sunken soft spot on the top of the head if your child is less than 1 year.
    
    
  • Urinating less or not at all.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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