Scarlet fever or scarlatina is an infectious disease caused by bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes. This bacterial infection is characterized by the appearance of a red rash on the skin, high fever, and sick throat.
Scarlet fever can happen to anyone. However, this bacterial infection tends to be more common in children aged 5-15 years. Scarlet fever needs to be treated quickly and appropriately, otherwise it can lead to dangerous complications, such as pneumonia.
Causes of Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever is caused by bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) which can multiply in the tonsils and throat. These bacteria can release toxins that can enter the bloodstream, and then cause fever and red rashes on the skin.
Bacterial transmission S. pyogenes It can occur through splashes of saliva, such as when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Transmission can also occur when someone accidentally consumes food or drink from the same plate or glass as the sufferer.
In addition, touching objects that are splashed by the patient's saliva can also cause a person to become infected with the bacteria that causes scarlet fever. Bacteria on the hands can develop into a skin infection or enter the body if the person touches the mouth or nose without washing their hands first.
Scarlet fever risk factors
As previously explained, scarlet fever can happen to anyone. However, a person with the following conditions is more at risk of developing it:
- 5–15 years old
- Having direct contact with people with scarlet fever, for example at home or at school
- Work or spend a lot of time in crowded places, such as school or daycare
Scarlet Fever Symptoms
Generally, the symptoms of scarlet fever appear 2-4 days after infection with the bacteria. These symptoms can include:
- High fever with chills
- Red rash almost all over the body
- The face and neck are red, but the skin around the lips is pale
- Red lines on the armpits, elbow creases, and behind the knees
- Bright red tongue with small nodules, also known as strawberry tongue
- Sore throat, throat looks red with white or yellowish patches appearing
- Swollen tonsils
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficult to swallow
- Headache
A rash that occurs in people with scarlet fever is a characteristic symptom. The rash looks like a sunburn and feels rough. The rash usually starts on the face and neck and then spreads to the rest of the body. The rash will appear redder in areas of skin folds, such as the armpits, elbows, and knees.
Usually, a skin rash appears 1-2 days after the fever. But in certain cases, the rash can occur 2 days before the fever and sore throat appear.
The rash can last for about 1 week. After these symptoms subside, the skin affected by the rash may peel.
When to go to the doctor
Check with your doctor if you or your child experience any of the above symptoms, especially after interacting directly with people who have the same symptoms or are known to have scarlet fever. Early examination will speed up diagnosis and treatment, thus providing a good final result.
Immediately return to the doctor if you or your child has taken the medicine from the doctor, but does not improve in 1 week. You should also return to the doctor immediately if you or your child experience a recurrence of symptoms after several weeks of recovery. This can be a sign of complications, such as rheumatic fever.
Scarlet Fever Diagnosis
To diagnose scarlet fever, initially the doctor will ask questions about the symptoms and complaints experienced by the patient. After that, the doctor will perform a physical examination, such as looking at the condition of the tongue, throat, and tonsils. The doctor will also examine the lymph nodes and the appearance and texture of the rash.
If from the results of the examination the patient is suspected of having scarlet fever, the doctor will carry out swab test throat, i.e. fluid sampling by rubbing (swab) the back of the throat using a special tool for later analysis in the laboratory.
From the results of the analysis of the liquid sample, it can be seen whether there are bacteria or not S. pyogenes on the patient.
Scarlet Fever Treatment
Treatment of scarlet fever aims to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and reduce the risk of transmission to other people. Some of the treatments that can be done to treat scarlet fever are:
Drugs
To treat scarlet fever, your doctor may give you oral antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin, for 10 days. For patients who are allergic to penicillin antibiotics, doctors can prescribe erythromycin as an alternative.
Fever will generally subside within 24 hours after taking antibiotics. Even if the fever has subsided, it is important for the patient to keep taking antibiotics for up to 10 days so that the disease is completely cured and complications do not occur.
In addition to antibiotics, doctors can also give other drugs, such as paracetamol, to relieve fever and sore throat. If the patient feels itching on the rash, the doctor can also give a lotion with ingredients calamine or antihistamine tablets.
Self care at home
In addition to antibiotics, some of the following self-care at home can also be done to reduce pain and make the patient more comfortable:
- Drink enough water to keep your throat moist and avoid dehydration.
- Gargle with a salt water solution, to reduce swelling and sore throat.
- Consume throat lozenges, so that an inflamed throat feels more comfortable.
- Use a humidifier to remove dry air that can trigger a sore throat.
- Avoid irritants, such as cigarette smoke and cleaning products.
Scarlet Fever Complications
If not treated immediately, scarlet fever can lead to several complications, such as:
- Ear infection
- Abscess of the throat or peritonsillar abscess
- Sinusitis
- Pneumonia
Although rare, scarlet fever can also cause more serious complications, such as:
- Rheumatic fever, which is a serious condition that attacks the nervous system, skin, joints, and heart
- Inflammation of the glomerulus (glomerulonephritis)
- Heart damage
- Infection of the bones (osteomyelitis)
- Necrotizing fasciitis
Scarlet Fever Prevention
It should be noted that bacteria S. pyogenes can be transmitted from people with scarlet fever who have not felt symptoms. Therefore, it is important to always maintain personal hygiene. Some infection prevention measures that can be done and taught to children include:
- Get used to washing hands with soap until clean
- Do not use the same eating utensils or share with other people, especially those who are sick
- Avoid sharing food, so that bacteria don't spread from or to other people
- Wash cutlery and toys with hot water and soap after use
- Keep your distance or wear a mask when interacting with people with scarlet fever
If you or your child is suffering from scarlet fever, things you can do to avoid passing this infection on to others include:
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, so that bacteria don't spread to other people
- Do not go to school or travel to crowded places when you are sick