What is Scarlet Fever?
Scarlet fever is a bacterial disease common in people who
have a strep throat and it manifests in a distinctive rash of tiny pinkish-red
spots that cover the entire body. The same bacteria that causes you to have a
strep throat also causes the scarlet fever. Anyone can get the disease but it
is common in children between the ages of 5 and 15. Also known as scarlatina,
the disease is often spread by contact with droplets from an infected person
when they cough or sneeze. Even touching a surface like a plate or cup on which
the droplets have landed can help spread the disease.
Scarlet Fever Rash
The rash is the most obvious symptom of scarlatina and often
begins days earlier before a person feels ills. It often begins on the face and
neck before eventually spreading out to the rest of the body. Areas with skin
folds such as the armpits, elbows and knees will usually have a deeper red
color than the surrounding skin. As the rash starts out, it may be red and
blotchy but with time it turns rough like a sandpaper. When you apply pressure
to the reddened skin, you’ll notice it turn pale.
Additional Scarlet Fever Symptoms
Besides the obvious sign of a rash, other accompanying
symptoms of scarlet fever include very red and sore throat, fever, swollen
glands in the neck, difficulty swallowing, headache, nausea and vomiting.
Scarlet Fever Treatment in Temple, Texas
Although antibiotic treatments have made scarlet fever a
less threatening illness, leaving the condition untreated could result in more
serious secondary conditions affecting the heart, kidney and other parts of the
body. If you notice a reddish rash that is accompanied by a high fever of 101
degrees Fahrenheit of higher, quickly visit the nearest local emergency room inTemple.
To get urgent care in Temple, visit Express ER where we are
available 24 hours every day. Our emergency room in temple is well equipped and
skilled to test and treat scarlet fever. The tests many include a physical
exam, a rapid strep test and a throat swab. The treatment offered is usually
the same as that for strep throat. You
will be put on antibiotics and additional treatments to contain the fever and
any discomfort associated with the rash.
Need more information?
Call us: 254-282-0516
E-mail: info@expressemergencyroom.com
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