When our children are struck with an illness we are eager to find the right solution to bring them back to health. When Scarlet Fever strikes, characterized by its rash, itch, and sore throat, we rush into a frenzy to try anything to stop it. This frenzy has become more common since there is a huge increase in scarlet fever cases, caused by a new aggressive strain. 

Parents are being warned to look out for signs of scarlet fever in their children, with more cases of the illness reported this year than since 1982, health officials said.

The highly contagious infection mainly affects young children and is not usually serious if treated promptly.

Official figures show there were more than 15,500 cases reported in three months time – which is twice as many versus the same time last year.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Scarlet_fever_1.1.JPG

How Do You Get Scarlet Fever?

Identified by a bright red rash that looks and feels like sandpaper, scarlet fever is a highly contagious disease caused by the same bacteria behind strep throat, group A Streptococcus pyogenes.  It is spread through close contact with people carrying the organism - often in the throat - or through contact with objects and surfaces contaminated with the bacterium.  Frequently spread by droplets via coughing and sneezing, group A Strep can also hide on doorknobs, plates and utensils for hours.

Children who are susceptible to this bacteria will get Scarlet Fever. As a result, they develop a red rash, which gives scarlet fever its name, that typically starts on the neck and face and spreads to the chest, the back and other parts of the body. At first, the rash will look like a bad sunburn, but then it will begin to raise and become bumpy. If pressed, the red skin will turn white; it can also be itchy. Once the rash subsides, the skin will often peel, especially on the groin, fingertips and toes.

A very sore, red throat that makes it difficult to swallow, along with a fever of 101 or higher, is a key sign of scarlet fever, along with swollen neck glands, headaches and body chills, nausea and vomiting.

An early symptom can be a "strawberry" tongue -- one that looks more red and bumpy than usual -- along with a whitish coating on inside of the throat. Other telltale signs include be a flushed face (except for a white streak around the mouth) and red streaks in the creases of the skin, with the armpits, knees and elbows showing a deeper hue.

Parents are being warned to be on the lookout for these symptoms, as if caught early, the illness is mild and can be treated with antibiotics. Early treatment can also reduce the chances of complications, such a pneumonia, and prevent the spread of infection.

Complications of scarlet fever can include Bright's disease, a form of kidney damage, and rheumatic fever, an autoimmune disease that affects the heart, joins, skin and brain. If rheumatic fever affects the heart, it can cause long-term damage. That's one of the reasons scarlet fever was a leading cause of heart disease for adults before penicillin was discovered.

"We are monitoring the situation closely and remind parents to be aware of the symptoms of scarlet fever and to contact their (family physician) for assessment if they think their child might have it," said Nick Phin, deputy director at Public Health.

"It is a very contagious disease and much more common in children under 10 than teenagers or adults," said Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners. "Scarlet fever used to be a lot more common than it is now, but GPs are noticing more cases than in previous years at the moment."

https://pixabay.com/

What Do I Do When My Child Has Scarlet Fever?

You should immediately take your child to the doctor if you suspect scarlet fever.  If diagnosed you should then limit the contact your child has with friends and siblings since scarlet fever is contagious. Separate their toothbrushes and the cutlery they use from the rest of the families to limit the spread of the infection. In addition, your child shouldn’t go outside until it goes away.

Treatment requires about 10-days of antibiotics. They may improve sooner than that, but continue giving them the medicine. Wait 24 hours since their symptoms have passed before sending them back to school. 

It is vital to address the bacteria because if it is left unattended, it can cause problems in the heart, kidney, and elsewhere. 

Treating Scarlet Fever Symptoms

With severe discomfort, your child is probably looking for some relief. For this, there are some natural remedies you can try:

Apple cider vinegar has numerous health benefits, including the ability to heal a sore throat by warming it and adding cayenne pepper. ACV is made up of acetic acid, which also has the capability to treat infections in burn patients.  Put apple cider vinegar on a cotton cloth and apply it to the Scarlet Fever rash to reduce its effects.

Ingredients such as raw honey, raspberry leaves, and mint added to hot water and consumed 2-3 times a day will improve sore throats. 

Water vapor and humidifiers are effective at protecting your child from the dry air which provokes coughs, further irritating their throat. Adding essential oils like lavender oil will have an added benefit to reduce the inflammation in their throat. 

Lavender oil is good for many things. Having the property linalool,  it reduces the symptoms of the Scarlet Fever by moisturizing the dry and itchy rash.  To apply lavender oil add 2% of a carrier oil like olive or almond oil to treat the rash. 

Clip your child’s fingernails to keep them from further damaging their skin from itching it too deeply.
Soups, teas, and soft foods will maintain their nutrition to heal quickly, and warm fluids, like honey-lemon tea, will soothe the throat.

Hydration is necessary to maintain a functioning human. Also, drinking can be an effective way to address a hoarse or scratchy throat. 

Stay away from irritants like cleaning supplies and, of course, cigarettes, as if you needed another reason to not smoke around your child. 

Conclusion
It can be heart-wrenching to see your child go through all of this pain.  When trying to treat their symptoms it’s not only important to listen to your doctor’s instructions, but also listen to your intuition and your child. The best care can come from the compassion you two share.

sources: CNN / BBC