Everything You Didn’t Know About Scarlet Fever – Parenthood
Scarlet fever care is not always suitable for children. This is why they may have difficulty regaining strength and healing. It is therefore important to know everything about scarlet fever and the care that patients need.
Perhaps you have had scarlet fever or a loved one. Some aspects of the disease are frequently overlooked, especially when it comes to care.
We know that care is measures taken to relieve the patient during his illness. Although they sometimes seem very simple, they are vitally important. Indeed, they allow the patient to feel better and not to keep any after-effects, nor to develop complications.
What do you know about scarlet fever?
Scarlet fever is a childhood disease caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes or group A streptococcus. This bacteria is part of the family of germs that cause tonsillitis. It causes the appearance of a toxin, which in turn generates a crimson-red rash (hence the name of the disease).
It is important to clarify that not all streptococci cause the appearance of this substance, and not all children are susceptible to it. For example, two children infected with the same bacteria and living in the same house can develop two different forms of the disease if one responds to the toxin and the other does not.
Babies who have a rash need special topical medication to be able to cure scarlet fever.
How is this disease transmitted? To put it simply, contagion occurs through direct contact with the saliva of infected children, when they speak, cough or sneeze.
It is also possible that by sharing toys or objects that they have put in their mouth, they also transmit the bacteria. This is why it is important to isolate a sick child.
The course of scarlet fever
After infection, the pain comes on very suddenly. The lymph nodes in the lower part of the neck are swollen and hurt a lot. In addition, the following symptoms are observed:
- Tremors
- Vomitings.
- A lack of appetite.
- Headaches.
- Sore throat.
- Inflammation of the tonsils.
- The child is listless and without enthusiasm (he does not want to play).
Over the next twelve to forty-eight hours, the rash appears in the groin, armpits and neck . It then spreads all over the body. We can clearly see the red spots on the epidermis and feel them in relief.
On the other hand, the tongue is covered with a whitish film. The taste buds gain volume and become redder than usual. Then, peeling of the skin is observed .
Between the sixth and the eighth day, the pain decreases in intensity. If there is a new rise in fever at this stage, it may mean that there are complications that need to be treated as quickly as possible.
From the ninth day, the skin peels, starting with the face, chest and, lastly, the hands and feet.
What you need to know
Unfortunately, a child can have scarlet fever several times. Indeed, this disease can be caused by streptococci of different strains. This is why vaccination is not effective.
Scarlet fever does not cause any complications if the child is given the medicine he needs. But if it doesn’t, the disease can progress and cause other problems, such as rheumatic fever, which causes inflammation of the heart, joints and blood vessels, or glomerulonephritis, which affects kidney function. .
In any case, whether there is a rash or not, it is vital to see a doctor so that he can prescribe the appropriate treatment for the patient. It is very important that everything is clear: the composition of the drug, the dosage, the short, medium and long-term effects.
How to treat a child with scarlet fever?
- Rest is essential, even when he returns to school. Watch out for him and his comfort. For its diet, choose white foods, nutritious soups, ice cream and homemade drinks. For example, orange, grapefruit or lemon juice.
- If he doesn’t have an appetite, don’t force him to eat. Offer him soft foods.
- If you have a cool water spray humidifier, now is a great time to use it. This will relieve his sore throat. You can take the opportunity to put cold or lukewarm water compresses on his neck to reduce inflammation and relieve it.
- Make sure he has short fingernails, so he doesn’t hurt himself if the rash itches.
- Hugs. No matter how silly it sounds, every human being needs to feel loved during a moment of weakness. By taking care of his psychological state, you put his body in good condition to heal. It is therefore important to have a good time with the little patient.
It is important to raise any doubts with the pediatrician. When it comes to the health of a child, action must be taken immediately to prevent the situation from getting worse and worse.
