Scarlet fever - the underestimated childhood disease ›

In contrast to many other classic childhood diseases, scarlet fever is not caused by viruses but by bacteria, namely by the so-called Streptococcus bacteria of group A. Of these bacteria, a toxin is produced that circulates in the patient’s blood and triggers a kind of blood poisoning. The visible sign is the typical scarlet rash. The disease can now be cured quickly and easily using antibiotics.

These bacteria are transmitted by droplet infection, i.e. by coughing or sneezing. However, the Streptococcus bacteria are very resistant, so that they can survive outside the body for some time. As a result, the bacteria can survive on objects in the vicinity of the sick person. Scarlet fever is a very contagious disease. One can assume that a sick child will infect about half of his siblings.

Scarlet fever in children

Scarlet fever is an infectious disease that mainly affects children. As mentioned, it arises from a bacterial streptococcal infection that occurs primarily in preschool and school age, mostly during the autumn and winter months.

Usually, scarlet fever begins in children with a suddenly high fever, sore throat and a raspberry-colored, coated tongue with swollen tongue vesicles. On the second day, a characteristic, velvety rash develops and, after it has subsided, a skin flaking on the hands and feet after about one to two weeks.

Disease onset:3-12 years

Incubation period: The time between infection and the appearance of the first symptoms is 2-6 days

How is scarlet fever transmitted??

The scarlet fever is mostly in the throat, so the disease is usually caused by a droplet infection (via Speak, Sneezing, coughing), only rarely transmitted via shared contaminated objects (cutlery, pacifiers, toys).

Scarlet fever symptoms

The disease usually breaks out two to eight days after infection. How to recognize scarlet fever In general, the scarlet fever disease begins with a very sudden high fever above 39 degrees. The child complains of a sore throat, often stomach upset, nausea and vomiting. Young children may experience febrile seizures or delirium due to the rapidly increasing fever. The fever usually goes back towards the end of the second day of illness.

The typical rash – small, dense, red dots – is also visible within the first two days. The skin feels like fine sandpaper when brushed over it. This rash usually begins on the groin, armpits, neck and inside of the thighs, but soon spreads over the whole body. It is characteristic that this rash does not cause itching and that the reddish color fades when pressed with a finger.

The reddened face is also typical, although the areas around the nose and mouth remain remarkably pale. In addition to the rash, which hardly causes any problems for the children, since it is not itchy, there is a strong raspberry-colored redness of the tongue and sometimes purulent inflammation of the tonsils. The rash usually disappears after about two to five days, after about a week the other symptoms also go away.

It is characteristic of scarlet fever that the skin now begins to peel, accompanied by sometimes severe itching. Depending on the severity of the rash, this takes three to eight weeks. The skin flaking on the palms and soles of the feet is particularly pronounced. Possible complications If scarlet fever is recognized in good time and treated with antibiotics by a doctor, complications are very rare.

Diagnosis of scarlet fever

If the typical rash is already present when visiting the doctor, the diagnosis is easy to make. It becomes more difficult if only general signs of infection can be found. In any case, a smear from the throat is also necessary for a rapid antigen test to detect Streptococcus pyogenes.

Possible complications

Without treatment happens it is uncommon that after about ten days there is a painful swelling of the lymph glands on the jaw. Other possible complications include otitis media, sinus infection or a Abscess the pharyngeal tonsils. In very rare cases, scarlet fever can also cause pneumonia, joint, kidney, or heart valve inflammation.

If the pathogens enter the bloodstream in large numbers, life-threatening blood poisoning, the so-called streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), can develop. Fortunately, this complication rarely develops, but it is fatal in 30 percent of cases. Rapid diagnosis and intensive medical treatment are therefore essential for survival.

How is scarlet fever treated? therapy

If you are with your child If you notice signs of scarlet fever or even suspect it, you should see a doctor immediately. The pathogen can be identified by a throat swab. If this finding is not clear, a blood test provides certainty. Today, scarlet fever is treated very effectively with antibiotics. It is important that you give your child the antibiotic prescribed by the doctor for at least ten days, even if they feel well earlier, otherwise they could relapse.

If the fever is very high, the child should go to bed. Give him plenty to drink and, if prescribed by the doctor, an antipyretic drug. Fortunately, the antibiotic treatment works very quickly, so that the child is better after a day or two. However, sick children should avoid contact with healthy children for at least 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment. After that there is no longer any risk of infection.

Preventive treatment of contact persons with antibiotics is usually not necessary. It is only recommended for particularly vulnerable people who suffer from serious basic illnesses or a weak immune system.

There is a scarlet fever vaccination?

Today this disease occurs much less often than e.g. 50 years ago, and the course has also become milder. Because scarlet fever can be treated very quickly and reliably with antibiotics, the disease has lost its horror. However, it is important to go to the doctor in time.

Vaccination does not exist because there are too many variants of the scarlet fever. This is also the reason why you can get scarlet fever several times. In contrast to some other childhood diseases, once a scarlet fever has been passed through it does not leave lifelong immunity. The disease can occur a second time, possibly even several times. However, it is usually very easy and complications are extremely rare.