What To Do If You Suspect Scarlatina In Your Child
If you notice the signs and symptoms above, the first – and most important – thing to do is to bring your child to the doctor.
This is not just proper diagnosis, but for treatment. You see, if it’s confirmed that your child has scarlet fever, then they need to receive antibiotics to get better faster, reduce the possibility of transmission, and prevent more serious complications, such as pneumonia.
Before heading home, your doctor will leave you instructions to relieve the symptoms of the infection. These may include:
- Giving plenty of fluids to your child
- Preparing soft foods, so that they can still eat well despite their sore throat. Soothing teas and warm nutritious soups are excellent choices, as well as cool drinks, slushies, and popsicles.
- Giving them paracetamol or other medicine for fever and aches
- Applying calamine lotion for the itchy rash. To prevent further injury, trim your child’s fingernails.
Be Cautious With Antibiotics
Scarlet fever is best treated with the prescribed antibiotics. Without antibiotic therapy, they will continue to be contagious for a week or two after the onset of symptoms and might even develop complications.
However, please remember that your child is still contagious for 24 hours after beginning the antibiotic treatment. Hence, don’t allow them to go to the playground or school during that period.
Finally, please finish the antibiotic therapy as ordered by the doctor. Most kids will feel better after 4 or 5 days of treatment, but if the prescription says they need to take it for 7 or 10 days, please follow the order.
Key Takeaways
Scarlet fever may sometimes occur in children with strep throat. If you notice the telltale signs (red rash, red lines, strawberry tongue), please bring your child to the doctor for proper assessment and treatment.
Learn more about Infectious Diseases in Children here.
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