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. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat 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: You have the right to understand your child's health condition in words that you know. You should be told what tests, treatments, or procedures may be done to treat your child's condition. Your child's caregiver should also tell you about the risks and benefits of each treatment. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives your child's caregivers permission to do certain tests, treatments, or procedures. If you are unable to give your consent, someone who has permission can sign this form for you. A consent form is a legal piece of paper that tells exactly what will be done to your child. Before giving your consent, make sure all your questions have been answered so that you understand what may happen to your child.

Emotional support: You may stay with your child for comfort and support. Your child may need to stay in the hospital for more than a day. Ask caregivers if another family member can stay with your child when you cannot be there. Bring in something from home that your child likes. Your child may like to have his favorite blanket, toy, or clothing with him.

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. They should wash their hands before and after visiting your child to keep from spreading germs. Your child may be scared in isolation. Ask caregivers about the best ways to comfort your child while he is in isolation.

Medicines:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help your child fight an infection caused by a germ called bacteria.
  
  
• 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.

Tests:

• Blood tests: Your child may need blood taken for tests. The blood may be taken from your child's arm, hand, finger, foot, heel, or IV. Blood tests can give caregivers more information about your child's health condition. Your child may need to have blood drawn more than once.
  
  
• 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.

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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