|
Scarlet fever is an infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria that occurs in a small number
of people following an initial streptococcal infection of the throat (strep throat) or skin. Scarlet fever was once considered
serious, and it commonly occurred in children between the ages of 2 and 10 years. For unknown reasons, scarlet fever is less
common at the current time, despite a constant level in the number of streptococcal infections. The bacteria that cause scarlet
fever are spread by direct contact with infected persons or by airborne droplets in the coughs, sneezes, and exhalations of
an infected person. Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment Scarlet
fever causes a characteristic bright red rash that begins under the arms and on the neck, chest, armpit, inner thighs and
groin area as small red spots that gradually become elevated and spread over the body. Within a few days, the redness fades
and a finely textured rash, sometimes referred to as a sandpaper rash, develops. The rash is caused by toxins produced by
the streptococcal bacteria. In addition to the rash, symptoms of scarlet fever may include sore throat, fever, vomiting, a
red and swollen tongue, chills, headache and general malaise. A bright red coloration of the creases under the arm, in the
crook of the arm, and in the groin (called the Pastia sign) may appear while the rash is still red. The rash and skin discoloration
usually last for about three to seven days, at which time there may be peeling of skin around the fingertips and toes and
in the groin area. The illness is diagnosed by a physical examination combined with a throat
culture that tests positive for group A Streptococcus. The infection is treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin,
and acetaminophen for fever and discomfort. Bed rest and increased fluid intake are also recommended. Given proper treatment,
scarlet fever is usually easily cured within a week or less. Complications are rare if the illness is treated, but the bacteria
may spread to other parts of the body causing ear infections, sinusitis, rheumatic fever, or glomerulonephritis, an acute
kidney inflammation. Excerpted from: Complete Medical Encyclopedia, American Medical Association, 2003.
|
