Symptoms of scarlet fever in children

Scarlet feather begins in 1554, at this time it was the first mention of her. Then it was known as scarlet fever, from this phrase, in English, the Russian name of the disease, scarlet fever, was born. This is an infectious disease, the causative agents of which are group A streptococci. It occurs most often in preschool children. A characteristic feature of scarlet fever is a small-dot rash on the skin in combination with sore throat. It spreads by airborne droplets, while the source is a sick person who poses a threat of infection for 22 days, from the moment of the onset of the disease.

How is scarlet fever manifested in children?

The incubation period of scarlet fever in children is up to 7 days. The disease at this time is hidden. Then it develops quite sharply and rapidly. Already on the first day, the child's well-being worsens significantly, he becomes sluggish, sleepy, body temperature drops to 38-40 ° C, headache and chills. At the initial stage, there may be a lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Within a couple of hours, a bright pink rash may appear on the reddened skin. Most poured out on the face, on the sides of the body and in places of natural folds (underarms, in the buttocks and groin). Also, the distinguishing features of scarlet fever in children are a feverish shine in the eyes of the child and the contrast between the bright red cheeks and the pale triangle that form the lips and nose.

The scarlet fever is always accompanied by a sore throat, so the child is troubled by the pains in the throat and larynx, and when the pediatrician is examined, tonsillitis and lymph nodes increase. In the first days of the disease, a brownish plaque in the tongue and dryness is characteristic, after 3-4 days, the plaque passes and the tongue acquires a bright red color with shiny papillae. Only after 1-2 weeks the language acquires its normal state.

The rash is expressed quite brightly, creating the impression that the child was painted with red paint. With its itching, it causes certain inconveniences to the patient, which is why on the body subsequently there are frequent scratching. Over time, the rash from scarlet fever in children gradually fades and after 3-7 days of the consequences it does not remain.

There are 3 forms of the disease:

1. Light - the temperature does not exceed 38.5 ° C, a slight rash. All the main manifestations take place within 4-5 days.
2. The medium - heavy temperature does not exceed 39.5 ° C, headaches, lack of appetite, vomiting. Leaks for 6-8 days.
3. Severe - body temperature can reach 41 ° C, repeated vomiting, convulsions, anorexia, loss of consciousness is possible.

Treatment and prevention of scarlet fever in children

With scarlet fever, a course of antibiotics usually lasting 5-7 days, various antiallergic drugs, vitamin C, calcium supplements and furacilin for gargling, with the goal of preventing sore throats. If the treatment is carried out at home, the child should be placed in a separate room with all hygienic norms. Be sure to monitor the bed rest, especially in the acute period of the disease and provide a full, vitaminized diet. The decision on hospitalization can only be made by a doctor on the basis of the complexity of the course of the disease. For the prevention of scarlet fever in children, all that can be done is to identify the disease at an early stage, start treatment and isolate the child from contact with other children for 7-10 days. It should also be noted that children's institutions can be visited only after 22 days from the beginning of the illness.