What is scarlet fever?

Scarlet fever is an infectious bacterial disease that commonly affects children and is caused by group A streptococcal virus Before the disease was considered a disease often fatal, is now controlled and easily treated. Children with scarlet fever often have a high fever and a rash distinctive.

Also associated with a sore throat, aching body and a red tongue swollen a color "strawberry" that may remain swollen for days after the initial infection. It should be noted that scarlet fever is not as rheumatic fever, although in some children with scarlet fever can progress to rheumatic fever is a serious complication that may lead to long-term consequences.

Diagnosis of scarlet fever

It is important to call your doctor if your child develops a rash accompanied with fever, especially if this is accompanied by a sore throat, swollen glands or someone your child has been in contact with has had a throat infection of Streptococcus .

Your doctor will first examine the eruption of your child to determine if the rash is more likely to be another childhood disease such as measles, roseola or glandular fever. If then scarlet fever is suspected, a throat swab can determine the presence of streptococcus bacteria thus confirm the diagnosis.

Symptoms of scarlet fever

The distinction of the symptoms of scarlet fever is the characteristic rash that is red and looks rough as sand, often resembling a sunburn, which then gets itchy. The rash usually appears 12 to 24 hours after the fever begins, and most commonly begins in the chest under the armpits, behind the ears and face, leaving a clear unaffected area around the mouth. This often gives children an aspect of "slapped cheek" with bright red cheeks. After about four days the eruption begins to fade and peel.

Other symptoms include:

* High fever fever (usually between 101-104 degrees F)

* Sore throat or infected tonsils

Fatigue

Headache

* Nausea or vomiting

* Language (which may be swollen) with red dots

* Loss of appetite

What causes scarlet fever?

Scarlet fever is caused by group A streptococcal bacteria that are the same bacteria responsible for a number of other infections of the throat and skin, including strep throat, impetigo, and tonsillitis. Being highly contagious streptococcus bacteria are spread through contact with an infected person or inhaling the bacteria.

Help for scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is a potentially serious condition so it is important to seek medical attention when their symptoms are demonstrated in children. Prompt treatment will prevent serious complications such as rheumatic fever, kidney disease, meningitis, and pneumonia.

Scarlet fever is usually treated with oral course of penicillin or other antibiotics such as erythromycin. It is essential that your child finishes the antibiotic treatment given even if you start feeling better. Many parents use medications to reduce fever or relieve pain.

However, contrary to popular belief, they also come with side effects and should be administered with caution, you should consider alternatives such as natural remedies for fever and / or pain. Bed rest and a nutritious diet accompanied by lots of fluids will help speed recovery.

Natural Remedies

Scarlet fever is a potentially serious condition and therefore not considered for home treatment. If allopathic medical treatment is chosen or if your child is using natural medicine, the treatment should always monitor and a trained health care professional.

As is the case with any disease, it is essential to enhance the immune system to support the body's efforts to eliminate the infection. A number of herbal and homeopathic remedies can provide great advantage when used in conjunction with allopathic medication to strengthen the body's natural immune response.

The herbal ingredients including Echinacea purpurea, Astragalus membranaceous, Inula helenium and Withania somnifera are well known for their antiviral properties, antifungal and antibacterial properties and its ability to strengthen and assist the immune system to promote faster recovery. It is also important to strengthen the immune system after it has taken a very long course of antibiotics.

Other herbs such as Meadowsweet and Yarrow are effective in reducing and controlling fever, a prominent symptom in scarlet fever. With a little help from nature, your child will jump by as usual around soon!

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