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.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers to decide what care you want for your child.

RISKS:

Children may become very sick from scarlet fever. Your child may have a high fever, have trouble drinking or eating, and lose too much water from his body. If left untreated, scarlet fever may cause other problems, such as a throat abscess, sinusitis, or pneumonia. The risks of serious illness and other problems are small if you follow your child's caregiver's advice. Talk to your child's caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your child's illness or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that your child may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your child's medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done to your child. Make sure all of your questions are answered.

Emotional support:

Stay with your child for comfort and support as often as possible while he is in the hospital. Ask another family member or someone close to the family to stay with your child when you cannot be there. Bring items from home that will comfort your child, such as a favorite blanket or toy.

Isolation:

Your child may be in isolation if he has an infection or disease that he can spread to others. Caregivers and visitors may need to wear gloves, a face mask, and a gown. Everyone should wash their hands before and after visiting your child.

Medicines:

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help prevent or treat an infection caused by bacteria.
  
  
• 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.

Tests:

• Blood tests: Your child may need blood tests to give caregivers information about how his body is working. The blood may be taken from your child's arm, hand, finger, foot, heel, or IV.
  
  
• Throat culture: A throat culture is done to check for scarlet fever. Caregivers will swab the back of your child's throat with a cotton swab. The swab is sent to a lab for tests. From the culture, caregivers will learn what germ is causing your child's illness. Throat culture results will help caregivers choose what medicine is best for your child.

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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 (Inpatient Care)