What is the treatment for scarlet fever in children?
Treatment is to speed recovery and to prevent possible complications.
- Antibiotics. A 10 day course of penicillin is usually advised. Other antibiotics are advised if you are allergic to penicillin. Symptoms usually go in a few days, but it is important to finish the course of antibiotics. This makes sure all the bacteria are killed and reduces the chance of complications.
- Other treatments aim to keep the child comfortable until the illness goes.
Paracetamol (Calpol, Disprol, etc) reduces fever and eases aches and pains. Ibuprofen is an alternative.
Keep the child cool. If the room is warm then take all their clothes off.
Give lots of cool drinks. This helps lower the fever and prevent dehydration.
What are the possible complications of scarlet fever?
Complications are uncommon, but can be serious. They include the following.
- Serious infection such as throat abscess, sinusitis, and spread of infection to the lungs which can cause pneumonia.
- Late complications sometimes develop 2-3 weeks after the infection has gone. These are rheumatic fever (which can damage the heart) and kidney damage (glomerulonephritis). These are due to immune reactions in the kidneys, heart, joints and other organs following infection with streptococcal bacteria.
Treatment with antibiotics reduces the chance of complications. Complications now rarely occur.
Is scarlet fever infectious?
Yes. Coughing, sneezing, and breathing out the bacteria can pass it on to others. It takes 2-4 days to develop symptoms after being infected. Keep children with scarlet fever off school, and away from others, for five days after starting antibiotics.
In summary
- Scarlet fever is an infectious illness.
- Full recovery is usual.
- Serious complications are now rare, probably due to antibiotic treatment.
- Finish the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms soon go.
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DEBORAH BARBER, about 1 year
MY SON OF 13 HAS JUST BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH SCARLET FEVER AND HAS BEEN PRESCRIBED PENICILLIN. OUR DOCTOR HAS SEEN A FEW CASES OVER THE LAST WEEK OR SO!
Report this commentshona mc donald, about 1 year
is it dangerous 4 a lady 2 b near a child with scarlet fever IF PREGANT
Report this commentgilly, about 1 year
can adults catch it from children and how long are the children infections from the point of noticing the rash
Report this commentMrs A Bailey, over 2 years
It says isolate children from others but from when in the illness and how long? Also can there be milder symptoms in children without rashes?
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teresa, about 1 year
my son has been diagnosed with scarlett fever, but does anyone know if it contagious to adults ????
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