In the first years of life, the baby, consuming breast milk, is well protected and practically does not get sick. Most often, children aged three to nine years old, sometimes older, are infected. Sometimes scarlet fever can also make an adult sick. If the temperature rises to thirty-eight and above, chills appear, the child complains of a headache and sore throat, these are probably the first signs of a disease such as scarlet fever. In children, it is difficult to determine the symptoms at the initial stage, since they are very reminiscent of flu or tonsillitis, but within a day after a deterioration in well-being, skin rashes appear in the form of small red dots, sometimes with itching, characteristic only for a disease such as scarlet fever.
In children, the symptoms are expressed in the formation of plaque in the tongue, the rash spreads from the neck to the chest, as well as on the arms and legs. It is especially manifested in the armpits, on the elbows and inguinal folds. The skin becomes rough to the touch. There are several precise signs by which you can identify the disease. Firstly, it is a light nasolabial triangle that clearly stands out from the rest of the redness. Secondly, it is possible to determine the disease by pressing a palm on a bright rash. If the rash temporarily disappeared, then this is scarlet fever, if not, you should consult a doctor, as this is most likely meningitis. With proper and timely treatment, after a few days, the rash noticeably turns pale, and after one to two weeks, the skin begins to peel off. Scarlet fever in children will be accurately determined , the symptoms of which are visible if you check the tongue. It becomes characteristic of this disease bright red.
Almost never scarlet fever in children causes complications and is treated at home with the mandatory observance of bed rest and necessary hygiene. A specialist will prescribe a course of antibiotics (erythromycin or penicillin). The baby should be given as much fresh drink as possible, especially in cases where he has lost his appetite. Indoor air should always be fresh, clean and cool. It is also necessary to take drugs that relieve pain, temperature and itching. After a couple of days, the symptoms will begin to disappear, but even with good health the child needs to undergo the entire course of antibiotic treatment. In most cases, scarlet fever in children does not cause complications, but nevertheless, although rarely, they are likely. This can be myocarditis, inflammation of the kidneys, lungs, sinusitis, inflammation of the middle ear and an abscess of the throat. Osteomyelitis, bronchopneumonia, sepsis, renal failure and meningitis are even less common. Therefore, if a child has been taking antibiotics for more than a day, but it does not become easier for him, you should consult a doctor.
I must say that not always, with the penetration of pathogens, scarlet fever develops in children. Symptoms of the disease completely depend on the state of immunity of the baby and with good health can result in other types of streptococcal etiology, such as pharyngitis, tonsillitis and others. It is transmitted by airborne droplets, by coughing and sneezing, through food and utensils, and, of course, through direct contact with an infected person. The child should be given vitamin C and calcium supplements. An inflamed throat is treated with gargles. A gentle, non-stressful diet is needed for a disease such as scarlet fever in children. The consequences will be most favorable if you remove toxins from the body, using more fluids, eat mashed and warm food, observe strict hygiene, conduct daily cleaning in the room and often change clothes. And for adults in whom the baby is sick, in order not to catch the infection, one should not forget about preventive measures.