“Scarlet fever is a disease that was once thought to have disappeared but which has resurfaced in recent years”explains Dr. Christine Coquart, homeopath and phytotherapist, author of Guide to treating my child naturally (ed. Nathan). However, it is difficult to have a precise idea of the number of cases because it is not a notifiable disease. “Scarlet fever affects children between the ages of 3 and 10, mainly during the winter.”
How does scarlet fever manifest?
It all starts with a severe sore throat, which may be accompanied by lymph nodes in the neck. It is the appearance of the rash on the chest, armpit-elbow-groin folds, lower abdomen, extremities and sometimes on the face, which sets the stage. Corn “the characteristic sign is the raspberry-colored tongue!”, says Dr. Coquart. A high fever (up to 40°C) often accompanies these symptoms, as well as stomach aches and severe fatigue.
What is this infectious disease caused by?
To a bacterium, streptococcus A which, when it enters the body, leads to the secretion of toxins. Scarlet fever is transmitted through the air, through contact with droplets of contaminated saliva (sputter, cough, sneeze, etc.). The child is contagious 2 to 5 days before the first signs of illness. Then another two days later.
What is the treatement ?
A medical consultation is necessary because the signs are not always so obvious. If it is indeed scarlet fever, and therefore streptococcus A, which the doctor can confirm by taking a throat swab, the treatment is based on the administration antibiotics, for 8 to 10 days. From paracetamol can also be given for 48 hours, if the fever is poorly tolerated.
Scarlet fever is treatable, but it should be taken seriously because its complications can be serious if left untreated. Without antibiotics, we can fear in the aftermath acute articular rheumatism – which has become rare today. School eviction is recommended the first few days, to limit contagion and allow rest.
Is there a vaccine?
No, there is no vaccine against scarlet fever. To limit the contamination of the family, it is necessary to focus on hygiene measures.
- Do not share glasses or toothbrushes
- Avoid kissing between siblings
- Ventilate the home once or twice a day
- Ask the little patient to cover his mouth if he coughs.
- Everything is back to normal in a week!
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