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 current list of your child's medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list and the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Give vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Give your child's medicine as directed: Call your child's primary healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if your child is allergic to any medicine. Ask before you change or stop giving your child his medicines.
  
  
• Do not give aspirin to children under 18 years of age: Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin, salicylates, or oil of wintergreen.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight an infection caused by bacteria. Give your child this medicine exactly as ordered by his primary healthcare provider. Do not stop giving your child the antibiotics unless directed by his primary healthcare provider. Never save antibiotics or give your child leftover antibiotics that were given to him for another illness.
  
  
• Ibuprofen or acetaminophen: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen are over-the-counter medicines that may decrease 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 for more information about where and when to take your child for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services for your child, ask for information.

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.
  
  
• Your child may need more rest than he realizes while he heals. Quiet play will keep your child safely busy so he does not become restless and risk injuring himself. Have your child read or draw quietly. Follow instructions for how much rest your child should get while he heals.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your child has a fever.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.

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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.

Learn more about Scarlet Fever (Aftercare Instructions)