How To Treat Scarlet Fever

Any child with a sore throat and a rash should be diagnosed by a physician as soon as possible. The doctor can do a throat swab and determine very quickly if the condition is caused by the streptococcus bacterium, which causes strep throat and scarlet fever. Even if the child has a very mild case, treatment will eliminate the chance the severe complications of scarlet fever will occur. These complications can be life-threatening. Rheumatic fever may develop, which affects the heart, and possibly the joints, brain, or skin. Kidney disease, ear infections, throat abscesses, arthritis, and pneumonia are also possible. It takes as little as one week for the rheumatic fever to set in after coming down with scarlet fever. Start getting familiar with the ways scarlet fever is treated now.

Take Oral Antibiotics

Scarlet fever was once considered a dangerous illness in children. Thanks to antibiotics, it is now much less threatening. The doctor will prescribe a course of penicillin or something similar. It should be taken exactly as prescribed until all the medicine is gone. Do not stop giving it when the child feels better, since the illness may return before the course is over. It is important to kill all the bacteria to prevent the complications.

Another reason to take oral antibiotics is because strep and scarlet fever are highly contagious. If an individual with strep throat coughs or sneezes, those nearby may inhale the bacteria in droplets. Someone starting the antibiotic regimen is not considered contagious after twenty-four hours. This means a child can return to school and an adult may return to work as soon as they have no fever and feel better. Fortunately, there have been no reports of this bacteria being resistant to antibiotics.

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Gargle With Salt Water

Gargling with salt water is a very old home remedy for sore throats, and it still works. It is generally safe for children six years old, although some may not be able to do it. Experts recommend mixing one-quarter to one-half teaspoon of salt with four to eight ounces of warm water. Gargling once an hour helps reduce pain and swelling. Try to gargle with salt water as long as possible then swish it in the mouth. Don’t forget to spit it out, because drinking too much salt water can lead to dehydration. Sea salt and kosher salt are also fine to use. Salt draws water out of swollen tissue in the throat and makes a barrier that keeps more water and germs from getting back in. This helps soothe inflamed tissue in the throat.

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Drink Plenty Of Fluids

Fluids, cool or warm, are soothing to a sore throat, as they lubricate the tissues and encourage salivation. Broth-based soups, warm tea, and warm water with honey and lemon are all recommended. With a very painful sore throat, a liquid diet may help ease the pain. High-protein drinks are a good suggestion. Any acidic drinks like orange juice or lemonade may irritate the throat and should be avoided.

Patients should drink plenty of fluids especially if they have a fever. This will prevent dehydration and will help loosen up congestion in the nasal passages, throat, and even the lungs. Popsicles are fine and help to numb the pain. Another child favorite is hot chocolate, which will also be soothing.

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Keep The Environment Cool

Sleeping in a bedroom with the temperature set between sixty and sixty-seven degrees is considered best. Our bodies naturally cool down during sleep and becoming warmer at night may wake us up. During the day, the patient should be dressed comfortably. Being chilly or overheated can be detrimental. It is especially important to keep the environment cool if they have a fever.

A cool environment helps individuals go through the natural sleep cycles without interruption. During the REM (rapid eye movement) phase, which helps us become restored, our brains process a lot of information. Interrupting this phase can leave us groggy in the morning. A good night’s sleep also will improve health by helping the body fight infection. Temperatures above seventy-five or below fifty-four degrees can interfere with sleep. A cool room is conducive to falling asleep quickly and maintaining a deep sleep.

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Take Medication

Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are recommended to help with sore throat pain and also with fever reduction. Acetylsalicylic acid should never be given to children or teens because it may cause Reye’s syndrome, a life-threatening condition. The physician will likely tell a parent to have the child take pain relief medication. There are also soothing drops that can be applied to the back of the throat, sprays that lessen pain, and lozenges.

The scarlet fever rash may cover most of the body and cause itching. Over-the-counter remedies such as calamine lotion may be recommended. A small child may need to have their nails cut short to avoid scratching and causing an infection. Oral antihistamines may be helpful as well.