Scarlet fever - treatment - prevention

Conventional medical treatment

In the event of an infection with scarlet streptococci, conventional medical treatment by a family doctor or pediatrician is always advisable.

Diagnosis of scarlet fever by throat swab
With the help of a quick test in the form of a throat swab, the doctor can make a diagnosis directly in the practice. If the suspicion of scarlet fever is confirmed, the doctor usually starts the appropriate therapy immediately.

Antibiotic use over 8 to 10 days
Usually an antibiotic with the active ingredient penicillin is prescribed. If there is an intolerance, alternatives such as erythromycin, roxithromycin or cephalosporin can be prescribed. Regardless of the type of antibiotic chosen, it is taken over a period of eight to ten days. An interruption or an early termination of the therapy with an improvement in well-being should always be avoided, as this can lead to serious complications.

Contagion risk up to two days after taking antibiotics
In theory, children treated with antibiotics are likely to return within three days the school respectively the daycare center visit. Because the risk of infection disappears at the latest 48 hours after the first ingestion. However, a longer grace period is advisable for the benefit of the child. In addition to classic antibiotic therapy, many doctors also prescribe painkillers and antipyretics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Naturopathic treatment

There is an absolute ban on treatment for scarlet fever for naturopaths. However, many parents do not want to do without the alternative. In addition, there are now very many pediatricians who specialize in alternative medicine and offer it in addition.

Medicinal plant nasturtium
Medicinal plants from phytotherapy can also provide relief. The Tropaeolum maius – nasturtium – is particularly recommended here. Thanks to its ingredients and mode of action, nasturtium is an alternative to antibiotics.

If there is a desire for alternatives and treatment with antibiotics is ruled out from the outset, it is possible to use classic homeopathic remedies. Depending on the form of the disease, Belladonna, Apis mellifica or Phytolacca americana are prescribed.

Complement treatment with home remedies

Anyone who has had scarlet fever knows that antibiotics alone are often not enough to alleviate the symptoms. They are good for preventing streptococci from spreading and for the disease to subside as quickly as possible. Sore throat, fever, headache and body ache persist for a while. Parents rightly ask themselves whether there are additional home remedies with which scarlet fever, or at least the symptoms, can be limited.

Ice and cold drinks have a beneficial effect on swallowing and sore throats.

Home remedies for sore throats, difficulty swallowing and typical angina symptoms:

Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt several times a day in a large glass of water to make it gargle
Gargle with sage tea several times a day
Make a mixture of 200 ml of water, three teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and two teaspoons of honey, also gargle several times a day
Brush a clean, thin cloth with curd cheese and place over the front neck. Then wrap a scarf around it. Let everything work together for approx. 30 minutes (instead of the quark, one or two onions or lemons can be placed on the cloth)
Licking ice cream can help alleviate swallowing difficulties

Home remedies for fever:

Put on the calf wrap, making sure that lukewarm and not too cold water is used (calf wraps are only recommended if the calves are hot)
Linden blossom tea promises a diaphoretic, antipyretic and calming effect. Especially for children suitable.
Raspberry and cranberry juice can also help lower the fever

Since fever is a body’s own defense reaction, it should only be lowered at a temperature of 39 degrees. At a temperature of 40 degrees and above, home remedies and antipyretic medications (acetaminophen suppositories, ibuprofen juice) should also be administered. Basically, the sick should treat themselves to a lot of rest and sleep. Adequate hydration must also be ensured.

Homeopathic remedies for the treatment of scarlet fever symptoms

Basically, the typical scarlet fever symptoms can also be treated with homeopathic remedies. However, this should be avoided, especially in children.

Homeopathic medicines can worsen the condition at the start of ingestion and only improve in the further course. Sick people who want to treat scarlet fever completely via homeopathy should only do this under close medical supervision.

Recommended preparations are:

Belladonna: is prescribed in connection with scarlet fever, especially for extremely red and swollen almonds
Apis mellifica: a dose is recommended for glazed, also very red and swollen almonds
Mercurius solubilis Hahnemanni: is given when the tonsils are strongly suppurated and smell intense
Lycopodium clavatum: helps with difficulty swallowing and a stinging sensation in the throat
Lachesis muta: provides relief for bluish-red, swollen tonsils that cause pronounced swallowing difficulties

When choosing homeopathic remedies, however, not only the main symptoms should be taken into account. Every good homeopath will also consider the personal characteristics of the patient. Good advice should not be underestimated.

Longer recovery process when not treated

If untreated, scarlet fever lasts an average of three weeks. After this time, the patient’s skin begins to flake on the palms and soles of the feet. A normal burden on the child is usually only possible after four weeks. Sports activities should also be resumed no earlier than six weeks after the onset of scarlet fever. This lengthiness of scarlet fever is only to be expected in the case of a lack of or insufficient therapy.

Prevent scarlet fever with a vaccination?

Unfortunately, there are currently no adequate options to prevent scarlet fever. Vaccinations are still unknown. Although scientists have been working on the development of a vaccine for decades, no success has been achieved so far. The main reason for this is the diversity of the triggering streptococcal bacteria. Since there is not only one type, it is difficult to create a universal and effective immunization.